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Hundreds of Calgarians attended the 37th annual menorah lighting at city hall Monday night — a typically joyous event tinged with grief this year by the recent deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.
“Hannukah is usually my favorite celebration, but this year the joy sits beside something heavier,” said Lisa Libin, president of the Calgary Jewish Federation, to the gathering.
“As we gather tonight to light the Hanukkah candles, on behalf of Calgary Jewish Federation, our hearts are here with the Jewish community and Bondi.”
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also attended the event hosted by Chabad, the global organization that also hosted Sydney’s gathering.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas took part in the annual lighting of the menorah. (David Mercer/CBC)
At least 15 people were killed and 38 others are being treated in hospital after two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Hundreds had gathered at the popular spot to celebrate the first day of the eight-day Jewish holiday.
Among the 15 deceased were a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it an act of antisemitic terrorism.
In a speech to the gathering, Farkas had strongly-worded comments about the rise of antisemitism.
“We are here to light the menorah, not quietly, not cautiously, but deliberately,” said Farkas. “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,” Farkas said. “This menorah and all of you in this room today says that our city will confront hate and no community will face fear alone.”
Farkas also pledged to bring forward reforms targeting radicalization and hate-driven violence.
Rebbetzin Rochel Matusof, executive director of the Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta, said she has been receiving several calls from members of the Jewish community in Calgary and others sharing their condolences.
Rebbetzin Rochel Matusof, executive director of the Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta, says she’s been getting many calls from those affected by the tragedy in Sydney. (Terri Trembath/CBC)
Many Calgarians have ties to the victims of the shooting at Bondi Beach, she said.
“The pain is there and we mourn with the families and it’s hard,” she said. “It’s Hanukkah. 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.
“Let’s all be nice to each other and respect each other’s beliefs and each other’s holidays,” Matusof said.
WATCH | Calgary rabbi reacts to Bondi Beach shooting:
Calgary rabbi has message of peace amidst Bondi Beach tragedy
Senior Rabbi Menachem Matusof reacts to Sunday’s shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah event. At least 15 people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor. Australian police say the only suspects are a 50-year-old man, who was shot and killed by police, and his 24-year-old son, who is in a coma.
Rabbi Menachem Matusof, with the Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta, said he knows many Jews are “afraid of saying the [words] ‘I am Jewish’ and display and demonstrate their Jewish identity.
“Fear of that shouldn’t take place in a democracy like Canada. And unfortunately it is here.”
After speaking with community leaders, Calgary police had increased security for the Monday night menorah lighting.
Police plan to increase their presence during services at synagogues and at Jewish schools for at least the next week.