A child lights candles on a menorah, which is an important ritual during Chanukah.
Security fears have forced the cancellation of an annual Chanukah celebration in Caulfield, angering the Jewish community who believe it is an overreaction to events in Paris last week.
Chabad House in Caulfield has been hosting Chanukah in the Park for years. It attracts up to 15,000 people, including Federal MP Michael Danby. It is believed this is the first major event in Melbourne to be cancelled because of safety fears since the terrorist attacks in France .
In an email to members, organisers wrote that the December 13 event was cancelled "due to security risks and concerns especially in light of the current international situation and advice against large outdoor events".
Organisers said they consulted various "local and international security experts" and would instead host a smaller "and more secure" Chanukah fun day at Chabad House.
Organiser Szmerling Dovid Leib declined to comment.
It is believed last week's terrorist attack in Paris and ongoing threats against the community have prompted the decision.
However, Israeli Defence instructor Avi Yemini, who was set to take part in the celebration, said he was dismayed by the cancellation.
"It's the main event of the year for the Jewish community and cancelling it because of what's going on in the world? There's no specific security threat and either way, more needs to be done to get enough security."
He said if the Chabad could not beef up security, then the police should get involved.
The eight-day Jewish holiday is one of the most important on the calendar and celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the second century.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Jennifer Huppert condemned the decision, saying while vigilance was always required, the current security threat did not warrant cancelling the event.
"Clearly, security continues to be a problem in the Jewish community but . . . [Chanukah in the Park] has been an integral part of the community for many years and it's disappointing that it has been cancelled," she said.
Ms Huppert said it was not known whether other Jewish synagogues or organisations had cancelled or amended their Chanukah plans.
She urged the community to continue with their lives while remaining cautious.
"It's important to continue with our lives in the usual manner and that includes . . . celebrating events in the Jewish calendar such as Chanukah."
