SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Hanukkah started Sunday night, and Gov. JB Pritzker welcomed the holiday with a menorah lighting at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield. 

But Sunday's terror attack in Australia cast a shadow over the otherwise joyful event. 

At least 15 people were killed, and 27 were hospitalized after a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event. 

Pritzker addressed the tragedy alongside religious and community leaders, encouraging the Jewish community to continue celebrating the holiday.

"Now is not the time to hide our light, but to continue to proudly show it to the world, as we are in acts of defiance, and solidarity and joy," Pritzker said. "If we work together, the light brings hope, and healing and better days ahead."

Pritzker also said he was proud to be the governor of a state where diversity is cherished. 

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