Temecula, Riverside Hanukkah Events See Stronger Police Presence As Menorahs Are Lit

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County officials and first responders say there will be increased patrols around Jewish facilities and Hanukkah events this week following a deadly attack in Australia, where as many as 15 people were killed while celebrating the first day of the Jewish holiday.

Riverside County residents still planned gatherings to light the Menorah in celebration of Hanukkah, an eight-night event.

Tuesday, the Promenade Mall will celebrate Hanukkah. Temple Beth Sholom hosts a lighting of a giant menorah, serving sufganiyot (donuts), and spinning dreidels. Both events offer festive, family-friendly ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

"Join Rabbi Sandy and Temple Beth Sholom at the Promenade Mall celebrate Hanukkah by lighting our giant Menorah! We will sing Chaunukah songs, have sufganiyot (donuts), as well as dreidels – while supplies last," according to the event post.

Temple Beth Sholom also held a Hanukkah event on Sunday at Lorimar Winery, an event which sold out.

The Chabad of Temecula hosted a Menorah Lighting event on Sunday, and officials told CNS that there would be police presence and armed security at the event as a result of the attack.

In Riverside, a police spokesperson said they were "aware of the shooting and police will be driving by locations of interest throughout the city," a Riverside police dispatcher told City News Service.

Rep. Ken Calvert (R- Corona) released a statement issued Sunday, condemning the Bondi Beach incident.

"The deadly attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Australia is another tragic incident in the horrific rise in antisemitic violence around the world. Jews have a right to join together and practice their faith -- period," Calvert stated. "We must do more to protect that right. We must speak out against antisemitism wherever it exists. I am praying for all of those killed, injured, and affected by this attack, and for an end to this evil hatred and violence."

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