The Jewish news site CJN reported that police confirmed they responded to the Paplas Gate apartment building around midday Thursday, with officers and investigators arriving at the scene.

#BREAKING

Luxury condo on Bayview Avenue vandalized, with an unknown person tearing mezuzahs from around half a dozen doorframes.

Police are investigating.

Dec 25, 2025#Toronto #ProtestMania

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— Caryma Sa'd - Lawyer + Political Satirist (@CarymaRules) December 25, 2025

Three apartments sustained damage, according to Toronto police. Ashley Weiser, a public relations officer with Toronto police, confirmed damage to three units. All were located on the same floor, which police learned was the penthouse level. One resident was traveling abroad when the incident unfolded.

Sources informed police that at least one mezuzah was ripped off and discarded on the ground. Officers were summoned after a caregiver discovered a mezuzah missing from her client's apartment door, sources told police. Toronto police disclosed that the hate crimes unit has also been briefed on the incident.

The apartment tower is home to numerous Jewish residents and sits just over a kilometer north of Beit Tikvah synagogue, which endured multiple antisemitic attacks throughout 2024, including arson.

The case arrived just two and a half weeks after roughly 100 mezuzahs were stripped from doors at a seniors residence in North York. Toronto police labeled the first incident on December 7 at 6250 Bathurst a hate-motivated theft. The two buildings stand approximately six kilometers (3.7 miles) apart. The Bathurst facility operates under Toronto Seniors Housing, a division of Toronto Public Housing.

"This case of vandalized mezuzahs, again, serves as another example of the hatred that has poisoned our city, frequently a consequence of incitement by the mobs in the streets and online vitriol," City Councilor James Pasternak declared in a statement to CJN Thursday evening. The antisemitic mezuzah incident on Bathurst occurred in his district.

"There must be universal condemnation of these acts. And there must be repercussions. The calls in the streets and the atmosphere of lawlessness are dragging Toronto into the abyss," Pasternak added.

Residents of the apartment complex received a notice from the Paplas Gate property management company urging anyone with information or who witnessed anything to step forward, CJN learned. The letter also implies that someone within the complex perpetrated the vandalism.

"In the current climate of the world, this is not considered a random act of destruction, it is considered a targeted antisemitic act," the letter from Paplas Gate property management company stated. "In the 30 years of our residential complex's existence, we have never experienced, not even for a single second, any kind of hatred toward our community residents from people in our community," the company declared.

One resident, who requested anonymity and was not among the victims, spent Sunday fielding phone calls from owners asking whether their units were targeted. The resident has lived in the building for more than 25 years. "A lot of people are very frightened," they told CJN in an interview. "I'm not so much afraid, as angry and troubled that this could have happened. They don't have cameras in the hallways or stairwells, so police are examining fingerprints, doing everything they can," the resident said.

When asked whether they believed the latest incident was a copycat of the far larger antisemitic mezuzah thefts earlier this month at the other building, the resident had previously considered that as well. "Maybe they drew inspiration from that. It was someone who was angry at the Jewish people."

The SV party, the most anti-Israel party in the Norwegian parliament, which demanded that Norway's sovereign wealth fund divest from Israel and conditioned support for any future government on imposing a boycott on Israel, held a controversial candle-lighting ceremony during Hanukkah.

"Today we lit candles to mark Hanukkah – together with Jewish Voices for Just Peace and The Palestinian Committee. This is the essence of solidarity. Standing against injustice, no matter where. Standing together for human dignity, no matter who," the party declared on its social media pages after lighting the candles.

While the Jewish tradition marks Hanukkah as the victory of light over darkness, the renewal of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel, and the freedom of Jewish religion and culture, elements in Norway continue attempting to adopt Jewish narratives and turn them against the majority of the Jewish people who support Zionism and the State of Israel. "The lighting of the candles emphasizes the struggle for the liberation of all people and the fight against antisemitism and racism. Values that recognize no boundaries based on religion or ethnic origin, but which we can and must all unite around. No one is free until everyone is free," the Socialist Left Party explained.

This is not a joke. One of the parties represented in Norway's Parliament, the Socialist Left Party, chose this week to light a public menorah in central Oslo — "for the people of Palestine and the victims there."

A Jewish symbol, tied to the holiday of Chanukah, was… pic.twitter.com/URS7dARV0I

— Daniel Schatz (@drdanielschatz) December 22, 2025

"This is not a joke. One of the parties represented in Norway's Parliament, the Socialist Left Party, chose this week to light a public menorah in central Oslo — 'for the people of Palestine and the victims there,'" wrote Swedish Jewish journalist Daniel Schatz in a post on X. "A Jewish symbol, tied to the holiday of Chanukah, was deliberately appropriated to advance an anti-Israel agenda. This took place the very same week Jews were massacred in Australia. If this is where Norway's political culture stands, then yes — Norway is lost."

The SV party, which won approximately 6% in the last elections, placed the boycott of Israel at the center of its campaign in the most recent elections held in September. It is one of three parties sharply opposed to Israel's policies, but it was the only one that conditioned support for the government on the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund – which manages assets worth approximately $2 trillion – divesting from every Israeli company, and even sought to act against any company maintaining ties with Israel.

In his remarks, Minns said, "Bondi is beautiful tonight – and not because of its beaches. It is beautiful because you, in your thousands, came back here just seven days after a horrific crime and made it clear to the terrorists that we are not going anywhere. The crime was meant to frighten and scatter, but you have stood against these attempts at intimidation for thousands of years. Tonight, on the last night of Hanukkah, you have returned Bondi Beach to all of us."

The boos continued even as New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip introduced the political leadership present, including the prime minister, his wife Jodie Haydon, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. This came against the backdrop of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's refusal to establish a Royal Commission (a high-level government inquiry with broad investigative powers) to investigate the deadly shooting. Instead, the Australian prime minister chose to establish a more limited inquiry led by the Prime Minister's Office and the the Cabinet Office, which has sparked fury among the Jewish community.

The Australian government and the government of New South Wales state, where Sydney is located, declared today a "National Day of Reflection" following the massacre, which was the deadliest mass shooting in the country in 30 years.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced that police presence would be increased in the area, and that heavily armed officers would patrol the beach and its surroundings as part of Operation Shelter. He said this was not an elevation of the security alert level, but rather a step designed to ensure public safety and public confidence. Lanyon emphasized that police were aware of the depth of the trauma caused by the tragedy to Jewish families and the broader community, and that its purpose was to enable the public to gather, honor the memory of the victims, and support each other without fear. Indeed, many police officers were observed, and snipers from security forces were even seen on rooftops near the location.

Additional tension was recorded at the emotional event after a pro-Palestinian activist was removed from the location with police escort. The man, who wore a keffiyeh, arrived at the memorial vigil area where he encountered condemnation from mourners who said, "Why are you here?" and "You are not welcome here." New South Wales police officers approached him and spoke with him. According to reports, the man was heard asking the officers, "Why must I remove this?" and added, "I came on a day of reflection to reflect." Police confirmed that they ordered him to leave the area, and that he ultimately complied.

The Bondi Beach attack occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m. last Sunday, when Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, opened fire during the first night of Hanukkah celebrations. At least 15 people were killed in the attack, and approximately 40 others were wounded. Among the victims was 10-year-old Matilda, who was laid to rest this week. The father was shot and killed at the scene, while the son was arrested and charged with an indictment containing 59 counts, including 15 counts of murder.

Authorities said that if convicted, Naveed Akram faces imprisonment in Australia's most secure prison. Before being transferred to the Supermax facility, he will be moved from the hospital to the Silverwater Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (a holding facility for newly arrested prisoners), which serves as the first mandatory station in New South Wales' incarceration system. During this period, he will be held in strict isolation until his security classification is determined. Given the severity of the acts attributed to him, he may be classified as an Extreme High Risk Restricted (EHRR) prisoner or as a National Security Interest (NSI) detainee.

The New South Wales Corrective Services has previously made clear that the Supermax prison is the only facility in the state designed to incarcerate "the most dangerous of the dangerous." The prison, designed as a modern fortress, includes reinforced steel doors, corridors with advanced isolation mechanisms, and outdoor areas enclosed with exceptionally strong steel mesh. Since its establishment, no escape has been recorded, and all its zones are under constant surveillance.

When are Hanukkah candles lit? Lighting times vary by stream within Judaism. Ashkenazi Jews customarily light at sunset, so the light will be visible when day transitions to night. Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews typically light at nightfall, usually 12 to 15 minutes after sunset.

Blessings for lighting Hanukkah candles:  On the first night, three blessings are recited: "to kindle the Hanukkah light," "who performed miracles," and "who has kept us alive." On the remaining days of the holiday, only the first two blessings are recited.

Hanukkah candle lighting times 2025

When are Hanukkah candles lit on Friday evening? On Friday evening, Hanukkah candles must be lit before Shabbat begins. On Saturday night, one waits for the Havdalah service to conclude before lighting.

Order of lighting Hanukkah candles Most people follow the method of the Shulchan Aruch, the Rama, and the Arizal. On the first night, the rightmost candle is lit. On the second night, a new candle is added to the left of the first candle and is lit first.

This pattern continues throughout the holiday: each night, one candle is added to the left of the previous one, and the new candle is always lit first.

This method is based on the principle of "ma'alin bakodesh ve'ein moridin" ("ascending in holiness and not descending"), so the new candle is lit first as a sign of adding light and holiness each evening.

What are the main Hanukkah customs?

Lighting candles: Each evening, Hanukkah candles are lit and the menorah is placed in a visible location, usually near a window facing the street. In Ashkenazi custom, each household member lights their own menorah, while Sephardic and Mizrahi families typically have the head of household light for the entire family.

Holiday foods: Hanukkah is associated with foods fried in oil – sufganiyot (jelly donuts) with various fillings and levivot (potato pancakes). In recent years, innovative recipes have driven social media trends. In our food section, you'll find all the hottest trends and recipes to make your holiday special.

Playing with the sevivon: The sevivon (dreidel) bears the letters nun, gimel, hei, peh – an acronym for "a great miracle happened here." The game stems from a tradition recounting that during the decrees of Antiochus, when the Greeks forbade Torah study, Jewish children hid and studied in secret. The custom today serves as a remembrance of those children's bravery and resourcefulness, and as a way to celebrate the miracle that occurred.

Hanukkah gelt: Distributing coins, real money, or chocolate coins is considered a widespread custom expressing joy and giving.

Reading Hallel: On all days of the holiday, the full Hallel is recited in synagogue as thanksgiving for the miracles performed for the Jewish people.

Why do we eat sufganiyot on Hanukkah? The accepted explanation relates to the miracle of the oil flask. In other words, Hanukkah and oil went well together for our ancestors, and thus sufganiyot and levivot joined Jewish tradition, or as a wise Jew once said, "The Jewish principle is: We were in mortal danger, we survived, let's eat."

In the Mishnah (earliest codification of Jewish oral law) (Challah 1:4), a food called sufganin is mentioned: "The sufganin and the duvshanin [...] are exempt from challah (portion of dough given to priests)," it states. Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura explained that this refers to "bread whose dough is soft and made like a sponge." In the year 5657 [1897], David Yellin wrote that sufganiyot were called this because they are soft and spongy, and from them the singular form – sufganiyah – was derived.

Hanukkah 2025 – Frequently asked questions

Do people work as usual during Hanukkah? Yes. There is no prohibition of work on Hanukkah, except for the custom among some women not to perform certain tasks while the candles are burning.

Can children light a menorah? Yes. According to the law of education, children are permitted to light. In Ashkenazi custom, each household member even lights their own candles.

Where should the menorah be placed? It is preferable to place the menorah in a location visible from outside – usually on a windowsill facing the street, to publicize the miracle.

How many candles are lit in total during Hanukkah? During the eight days of Hanukkah, 36 candles of the mitzvah are lit (not counting the shamash): on the first night one candle, on the second two – until reaching eight on the eighth night (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8 = 36). If one also counts the shamash, which is added each night for using the light, a total of 44 candles are lit throughout the holiday: 36 mitzvah candles plus 8 shamash candles (one for each night).

What is the difference between a menorah and the Temple candelabrum? The original candelabrum in the Temple had only seven branches. The menorah used on Hanukkah includes eight branches for lighting plus one additional branch for the shamash.

Is it permitted to relight if the candles went out? If the candles went out after the minimum time has passed (half an hour from nightfall) – there is no obligation to relight. If they went out before then, one should relight without a blessing.

Does one need to remain near the menorah while the candles are burning? There is no obligation to stand near the menorah, but there is an obligation for the candles to be in a safe place, without fear of fire or extinguishing.

Matilda, the youngest victim murdered in the attack, was the daughter of a family that had emigrated from Ukraine. Her aunt described her as "a brilliant and joyful child," noting that her younger sister had witnessed her murder at the beach. Rabbi Schlanger, a Britain native who had lived in Sydney for the past 18 years, left behind five children, including a recently born infant. His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, eulogized him in tears, saying, "Your devotion to me knew no bounds. You were my son and my confidant, it seems impossible to get through a day without you."

Video: The rabbi just before the shooting / Credit: Social media

The Bondi attack occurred two days ago and has been considered the deadliest shooting incident in Australia in nearly three decades. A father and son opened fire on crowds during Hanukkah celebrations, murdering 15 people and wounding dozens more. Since the incident, the victims' names have been gradually revealed.

In his final moments, Rabbi Eli Schlanger raised his hands, walked toward the gunman as he reloaded his weapon, and pleaded with him to stop shooting. Moments later, he was murdered. His wife, Chaya, was shot in the back. Their two-month-old baby, Shimshy, remains hospitalized with shrapnel injuries.

Surla, a close friend of Chaya, revealed that the condition of two-month-old Shimshy has not yet fully stabilized after shrapnel fragments hit his calf. "He's still not out of danger," she said. "The very horror and malice of someone shooting at babies, women, and elderly people – it's terrifying," she added.

Chaya was also injured in the attack, but in the chaos, she didn't realize she had been hit. "Chaya hid and tried to protect herself and especially her two-month-old baby, and she doesn't remember being hit due to the adrenaline, until suddenly someone standing next to her said: 'You have blood on your back,'" Surla recounted. Their two-month-old son is now recovering at the children's hospital, and Surla praised the "unbelievable" support from the medical staff.

In the horrific events of that day, Chaya was forced to watch her husband, a father of five children, being shot to death. "At the same time, Chaya was hit by a bullet; she also tried to keep her husband alive and begged a local nurse and a surfer who was at the scene to continue performing CPR on him," Surla said.

"We had to evacuate her for medical treatment, but she kept saying: 'Wake up, Eli, you have to wake up.' Eli believed in miracles, and she told him, 'Make us miracles, you can't leave me, I have five children, I can't handle this alone.' It was heartbreaking to watch."

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns admitted last night in an interview with Sky News that only two police officers were present at the Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach before the terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 innocent people. "Police were instructed to be present during the festival," he said. "To my understanding, there were two police officers in the park during the shooting or at its beginning, during the murders, and there were also police in the area, so a patrol car arrived at the scene within moments of the start of the shooting."

Meanwhile, a UN expert called for an "independent investigation" to examine whether Australian authorities could have prevented the horrific massacre. Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights in the context of countering terrorism, said any investigation should also examine whether the response of law enforcement authorities "was sufficiently rapid and effective."