HOUSTON, Texas – A Texas Rabbi’s son is recovering in the ICU following a mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach, the Rabbi confirmed to KPRC 2 on Sunday.
Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff tells KPRC 2 his son, Leibel Lazaroff, is in Australia for an internship and was shot while attending a Hanukkah event.
Rabbi Lazaroff is on his way to Australia to see his son.
Authorities say a father and son killed at least 15 people at Bondi Beach on Sunday in what’s been labeled a terrorist attack.
In Houston, the first night of Hanukkah was marked by grief.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky of the Shul of Bellaire. “This has nothing to do with geography or politics. This has to do with targeting Jews. It’s an age-old hate. It’s the oldest hatred in the world, and it’s continuous."
In the City of Bellaire, hundreds gathered at the town center for the lighting of the first candle.
Rabbi Zaklikofsky said it’s more important than ever for the Jewish community to come together.
“As far as I’m concerned, I don’t waver, I don’t cower, I don’t retreat, nothing changed or will change in how I celebrate, observe or identify as a Jew," said Rabbi Zaklikofsky.
Hundreds of Jewish families also gathered at Houston City Hall, along with Mayor John Whitmire, Councilwoman Abbie Kamin, Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, and other officials.
Mayor Whitmire told KPRC 2 that hatred and antisemitism have no place in Houston.
“We’re certainly sad and have the victims and their families in our prayer, but we also want to make a statement that nothing would keep us away from this festival of lights," said Whitmire.
The theme of the night was about light being stronger than darkness, especially on the heels of the tragic shooting in Australia.
Hanukkah ends on Dec. 22.