Leading Jewish groups in the United States are urging all Jewish organizations to ratchet up security measures at public events — including restrictions on access — following the deadly mass

Leaders of the Placer Jewish community spoke about the importance of celebrating the holiday after an attack on a Sydney celebration killed 15.

"If you know someone who is Jewish right now, just reaching out and telling them that you're thinking about them is making a big difference."

For many Jewish communities around the world, this year’s Hanukkah began in grief after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia Sunday

In light of the recent deadly attack in Australia, the Richmond-area Jewish community is asking for help in standing up to antisemitism.

Jewish groups and law enforcement agencies across Texas are on alert in the wake of the shooting, in which at least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured.

At least 15 people were killed at a Jewish gathering on Australia's Bondi Beach, according to Australian government officials and police. One of two gunmen was also dead.

Hanukkah, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, begins Sunday, Dec. 14. Known as the festival of lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday in the Jewish faith marked by the nightly lighting of candles.