OTTAWA,
ON, Dec. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Prime Minister's
Office
The Prime Minister, Justin
Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the
start of Hanukkah:
"At sunset today, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the
start of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
"Over the course of eight nights, families and friends will come
together for this festive occasion to light the candles of the
Hanukkiah, spin the dreidel, and enjoy latkes. Hanukkah is also a
time to reflect on the triumph of the Maccabees and the liberation
of the Jewish people from religious persecution centuries ago. The
story of Hanukkah is one of strength, perseverance, and resilience
– values that the Jewish people continue to embody today.
"Jewish communities will be drawing inspiration from this story
in light of the alarming rise in antisemitism, particularly since
Hamas' terrorist attacks of October 7,
2023. Over these past 15 months, Jewish communities here in
Canada have too often felt unsafe
in their neighbourhoods, workplaces, and places of worship. That is
unacceptable and must never be tolerated.
"The Government of Canada is
committed to combatting antisemitism and hate in all its forms.
Earlier this year, we introduced the enhanced Canada Community
Security Program, to fund expanded security measures for community
centres, day schools, and places of worship, so everyone can feel
safe living and worshipping openly. The government also supports
the vital work and advocacy of our Special Envoy on Preserving
Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons. Thanks to her leadership, the
government published this year the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA
Working Definition of Antisemitism. Last week, we also announced
that the government will hold a National Forum on Combatting
Antisemitism in Ottawa this coming
February.
"For non-Jewish Canadians, Hanukkah is an opportunity to
recognize the ways in which Jewish communities have helped shape
Canada for the better and to
celebrate their contributions across our society, including in the
arts, business, health, and so much more. And it is a time to
recommit to the fight against antisemitism – in all its pernicious
forms.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating a happy,
peaceful, and blessed Hanukkah. May each candle of the Hanukkiah
serve as an enduring reminder that, in the face of darkness, light
will always prevail.
"Chag Sameach."
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
