Jewish Federation of the Desert holds inaugural Hanukkah community celebration

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)  - What was planned as a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah was also a moment of solidarity at the Jewish Federation of the Desert.

The Jewish Federation of the Desert's first annual Hanukkah community celebration featured performances by the Palm Springs Gay Men's chorus and Israeli folk dancing.

The gathering also included a moment of silence for those killed in the Bondi Beach shooting that targeted Australia's Jewish community.

More than 100 people attended the program — following the news of the deadly attack — saying fear won't win.

"I was looking forward to coming for exactly that reason," Stefanie Guynn, attendee, said.

"We decided to continue having this celebration today exactly for the reason of rising above the hate," Danny Labin, CEO of Jewish Federation of the Desert, said. "For continuing to dedicate ourselves as a people to celebrating life and celebrating the light that is part of Hanukkah."

Local law enforcement visible at the event.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills lighting the menorah, a moment many said feels more powerful than ever.

Stay with KESQ as News Channel 3's Shay Lawson speaks with a local man who says he knew some of the victims killed in the Australia attack.