Canada: Lighting the Menorah, A Tale Of Two Cities (Video)

In Canada this week, groups of devout Jewish people, specifically the Chabad, are conducting public ceremonies to light the candles on their ceremonial candelabra, the Menorah.

These ceremonies commemorate the victory of the Maccabees, who defended themselves against the numerically superior invading Greek armies.

Under normal circumstances, this event might not attract the attention of news outlets. However, this year is an exception.

The October 7th Islamic attack on Israel, followed by a surge in antisemitism and large-scale protests across the Western world, particularly in Ottawa, involving communists and Muslims, have rendered any event or ceremony by Jewish groups a potential flashpoint, both politically and in terms of potential violence.

In Calgary, Mayor Jyoti Gondek chose not to attend the ceremony.

As reported by CTV News:

She would not [attend] because it had become ‘political.'”

1/2 On the eve of a beloved Calgary tradition, the annual menorah lighting at City Hall, I have learned that the event has been repositioned to be political. This breaks my heart.

It is with great regret and sadness that I will not be attending. My statement is posted here. pic.twitter.com/ttx8E7LQII

— Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) December 7, 2023

Her former chief of staff and political strategist, Stephen Carter, criticized Gondek’s decision as a failure in leadership.

Carter expressed that Gondek’s absence would have negative repercussions within the community.

“I think it was a massive mistake for her to do so,” he commented.

joint statement from the Conservative caucus, indicating that the situation leaves them “deeply troubled.”

In sharp contrast to Calgary’s stance, Ottawa hosted a similar ceremony on December 10th in Westboro. The event was notable for the participation of the Mayor, who not only appeared and spoke but also lit the first candle alongside a federal MP and a municipal councillor representing the ward where the ceremony took place.

Ottawa mayor, Mark Sutcliffe spoke to the attendees:

Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi addressed the issue of antisemitism in Ottawa.

Ottawa City Councillor, Jeff Leiper also spoke at the event:

As the Menorah candles are lit, they cast a revealing light on the differing responses of Canadian cities to the Jewish community amidst rising antisemitism. Calgary’s decision to avoid the ceremony, shows a lack of support for the Jewish community, starkly contrasts with Ottawa’s active participation, symbolizing a stance of solidarity.