Brooklyn Nets Honor Victims of Australia Hanukkah Attack with Menorah Lighting
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — In a poignant display of solidarity and remembrance, the Brooklyn Nets honored the victims of a recent terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia, during their game against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The tribute included a ceremonial lighting of a giant basketball-shaped menorah at the Barclays Center, a gesture that underscored the resilience of the Jewish community and the spirit of Hanukkah.
The menorah lighting was performed by the 14-year-old nephew of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was among those tragically killed in the Sydney massacre last week. This moving ceremony was organized by the Chabad Teen Network, recognized as the world’s largest teen organization, which works to engage Jewish youth globally in cultural and religious traditions.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Chabad World Headquarters, who had intended to attend the event in Brooklyn, instead traveled to Australia to support the families affected by the attack. He praised the Brooklyn Nets for their public recognition of Hanukkah and for celebrating Jewish heritage, calling it a testament to the inclusive values that “make America great.”
“It is really incredible to see America in its whole glory, where it stands for what we believe in,” Kotlarsky said. “We celebrate our ideals and our traditions, and it’s supported by the Nets, which is an incredible franchise. To be able to recognize and give a voice to many teens who might not be in a Jewish school or might not be in a Jewish Chabad, to celebrate their heritage proudly is one of the things that makes America great.”
The ceremony also highlighted the role of sports as a unifying platform. Kotlarsky emphasized how the Nets, with two Jewish players on their roster—Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf—serve as inspirations to young people. Their presence on the team demonstrates that individuals can pursue their dreams without compromising their cultural or religious values.
“People see that no matter where you come from and where your humble beginnings are, you can still be proud of who you are and make it to the top, and you’re celebrated for who you are,” Kotlarsky remarked. “The key message about the whole holiday is one that we celebrate proudly: that light has infinitely more power than darkness.”
The Sydney attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, shocked communities worldwide and drew responses from leaders and organizations committed to combating terrorism and hate crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to monitor global threats, while the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes vigilance against extremist violence.
The Brooklyn Nets’ tribute aligns with broader efforts to promote interfaith understanding and to honor victims of violence. The lighting of the menorah at a major sporting event echoes similar gestures made by institutions nationwide, including the annual menorah lightings at the White House Hanukkah celebrations and public commemorations facilitated by the Anti-Defamation League.
As the holiday season unfolds, the Nets’ ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring power of community, remembrance, and the light that hope brings even in the darkest times.
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