Chattanooga Jewish community reacts to Hanukkah attack

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia, News 12 spoke with a local Jewish leader about the impact the violence is having thousands of miles away.

Michael Dzik, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, says he is heartbroken by the attack and calls it a clear act of antisemitism.

“It was an antisemitic attack,” Dzik said. “It was blatant, it was murderous, and it was targeted specifically at Jews.”

To gain a local perspective, News 12’s Lillian Yi spoke with Dzik, who says the tragedy has deeply affected the Jewish community in Chattanooga.

“The Jewish community in Chattanooga is just heartbroken for the community in Australia,” he said. “It was such a terrible, tragic event that occurred.”

While the attack happened thousands of miles away, Dzik says its impact is still being felt locally.

He also pointed to acts of bravery that emerged during the chaos, including a bystander who intervened.

“We see the video footage of a 43-year-old Muslim gentleman who gets out of his car and tackles one of the terrorists,” Dzik said. “What a hero. We need people to stand up for others when they see or hear something bad.”

Dzik says the goal of terrorism is to instill fear, but he refuses to let that fear define his community.

“I think there’s always going to be some fear and worry after something like this,” he said. “But I don’t live my life that way. Even with that fear, we as Jews come out. We mourn together, we celebrate together, and we connect and show our strength.”

He says that strength was on full display locally as community members came together in support following the attack.

“We had about 150 people here last night,” Dzik said. “People showed up. People didn’t stay home. That’s beautiful. We need each other during times of tragedy. We need to be together.”

Dzik says while the attack was meant to spread fear, the response he’s seen from acts of bravery overseas to support within the Chattanooga community has shown resilience instead.

He says moments like these serve as a reminder that standing up to hate begins withstanding together, adding, “You do not have to be Jewish to protect Jews.”