Jewish community tightens security measures for Hanukkah celebrations: 'It's hatred of Jews'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Synagogues are tightening security measures after the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.

In Durham, Rabbi Daniel Greyber is the spiritual leader at Beth El Synagogue and has direct connections to people who were at Bondi Beach when two gunmen opened fire.

"I had a study partner in rabbinical school whose brother-in-law was a victim of the shooting. I have a cousin who lives in Australia and was at the shooting. Thankfully, she was uninjured at least physically," said Rabbi Daniel Greyber.

"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."

This comes as Australian leaders look to tighten gun laws after a deadly massacre killing at least 15 people unfolded on Sunday in Sydney. The Australian Prime Minister said he's proposing tougher gun laws after this deadly attack.

"The issue is not gun laws. It's hatred of Jews," said Greyber.

Rabbi Sandra Lawson is executive director of Carolina Jews for Justice. She told ABC11 that the temperament in the community is to remain vigilant, but continue Hanukkah celebrations this week as planned.

"When I first heard what happened, I was like, here we go again," she said. "Being joyful is the best medicine to counter anything where people want us to feel destroyed, sad and beaten down."