MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Local Jewish community leaders are reacting and responding to the tragic events unfolding in Australia, after 16 people were killed in a terror attack on Sun. Dec. 14, targeting the Jewish community celebrating the first night of Hannukah.

In the wake of the attack, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation says that they are working with local law enforcement to keep the Milwaukee and Wisconsin community safe: 

And in memory of the victims, there will be extra measures taken at tonight's Chanukah Festival and Gelt Drop at Bayshore Mall.

Levi Stein with the Friendship Circle of Wisconsin says in honor of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and all those affected, there will be:

• Distributing electric tea lights to the crowd
• Giving out coins for (charity) tzedakah
• Encouraging additional (good deeds) mitzvot throughout the evening

"Eleven people were killed, and many more were wounded. Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community," Stein said. "Acts of hate and violence are meant to spread darkness and fear. Tonight, at our Chanukah Festival and Gelt Drop, we are choosing to respond with more light."

Stein says they will also be increasing security and working with local law enforcement to make sure everybody stays warm and safe.

And community group Forward Latino is also condemning the deadly attack. In a statement, they said in part: 

Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality that hate and antisemitism
continue to be actively and passively promoted, while too few speak out with the
urgency such moments demand," said National President Darryl Morin. "During this holiday season, a time of faith, reflection, and renewal, we must each look inward and ask ourselves, “What can I do to help eliminate hate?” At the core of our shared faith traditions is a simple and profound truth, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We call upon all people of faith to join us in a moment of remembrance and prayer for those whose lives were lost, and then to recommit ourselves to standing against hate and bigotry in all their forms.

Despite the deadly shooting, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center is hosting a free community wide Hanukkah celebration this afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Chanukah Festival kicks off at 4:00 p.m.