In the wake of the tragic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, Calgary's Jewish community gathered at the city hall to light the menorah, a symbol of light and hope. The event, typically joyous, was tinged with grief and a sense of urgency. The Calgary Jewish Federation's President, Lisa Libin, acknowledged the somber atmosphere, stating, 'Hannukah is usually my favorite celebration, but this year the joy sits beside something heavier.'
The recent attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor, has left a profound impact on the Jewish community worldwide. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an act of antisemitic terrorism. The event in Calgary was hosted by Chabad, the global organization that also organized the Sydney gathering.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith attended the ceremony, emphasizing the city's commitment to combating antisemitism. Farkas stated, 'We are here to light the menorah, not quietly, not cautiously, but deliberately. I’m angry. And every day we wake to news of violent attacks against Jewish people here at home and around the world... There is no place for antisemitism in Calgary.'
Rebbetzin Rochel Matusof, executive director of the Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta, shared her community's condolences, noting that many Calgarians have personal connections to the victims. She said, 'The pain is there and we mourn with the families and it's hard. We have to spread light. We're doing it with their names in our mind, with their pictures, with their images. How wonderful, what beautiful people they were and to continue their legacy.'
Rabbi Menachem Matusof, also from Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta, expressed concern about the fear many Jews feel in expressing their Jewish identity. He stated, 'Fear of that shouldn't take place in a democracy like Canada. And unfortunately, it is here.'
In response to the threat, Calgary police increased security measures for the menorah lighting, and they plan to maintain a heightened presence at synagogues and Jewish schools for the foreseeable future.
