At least 15 people were killed following a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.

Rabbi Zalmen Drizin addressed residents on the steps of his synagogue at a menorah lighting on the third night of Hanukkah.

Rabbi Zalmen says the holiday celebrates their ancestors overcoming darkness with light. Now, centuries later, he says that message is even more powerful.

“The Jewish strength is not of AK-47’s. The Jewish strength is this - fire, light, brightness,” said Drizin.

His wife, Frumie Drizin, grew up in Australia and knows people impacted by the violence.

“A close friend of mine. Her daughter was shot. Thank God she survived. She had surgery and she's OK. She's going to make it. Thank God. I was in touch with her she’s a very positive person. She's an amazing person. And she just said, you know, we have to it's the Festival of Lights. We have to just be joyful and move on and spend more light as much as we can,” said Drizin.

The NYPD says there will be an increased police presence at synagogues and menorah lightings throughout the holiday out of an abundance of caution.