Collier County Sheriff ensures security for Naples Hanukkah celebration

In the wake of a tragic attack in Sydney, Australia, security measures have increased worldwide, including in Naples, where the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples celebrated the second night of Hanukkah.

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk emphasized the importance of safety, assuring that whether or not deputies are visibly present, the goal is for the public to always feel secure.

Nammie Ichilov expressed the community's sentiment, saying, "We had a lot of people who called us and said, Hey, I wasn't planning to come. I was going to just light candles at home on Monday evening. But, but we need to be together as a community. We need to come out. We need to be celebrating this, you know, as a community."

The celebration in Naples featured live entertainment, food, and tradition, with community being the focal point.

After 15 people were killed in Sydney during a Jewish holiday celebration, security became a top priority for both attendees and law enforcement.

"We always make sure that whatever event we're putting on, we have enough people to respond to the event we need to but for us, particularly, it's the years of training, equipping, the tactics that prepare us to safeguard our community, and that's really the bottom line, because we want our community to feel that way, but we don't want them to see it that way," said Sheriff Rambosk.

Rabbi Michael Raab shared a message of resilience, stating, "We always persevere. No matter what anger or hate, we stick together as one, and that's what makes the Jewish people have one."

The evening also included a moment of silence for the victims and their families in Sydney, as the Jewish community continued their Hanukkah celebrations in Naples.