Local Jewish communities celebrate Hanukkah with heavy hearts, resilience after Australia shooting

Jewish communities in Simcoe County celebrate Hanukkah with heavy hearts and resilience after Sunday's mass shooting in Australia.

While it is normally the ‘Festival of Lights’, the theme of Hanukkah this year has been turning darkness into light after Sunday’s mass shooting at a Jewish holiday gathering in Sydney, Australia.

The local celebrations

Just like with Jewish communities across the world, those in Simcoe County celebrated the holiday with the victims on everyone’s minds, but also with determination to be joyful instead of fearful.

The Town of Bradford held a ceremony at the District and Community Centre for the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, with Mayor James Leduc on hand to show his support.

Barrie and Innisfil then held their menorah-lighting ceremonies for the second night on Monday.

“To see that everybody is not afraid to come out here and celebrate as proud Jews, it’s really heartwarming,” said Rabbi Mendel Nakkar from Chabad Jewish Centre of Barrie.

In Barrie, the City Hall Rotunda was filled to capacity for the lighting of a new 12-foot menorah.

“By lighting our candles and coming out with this group tonight, we showed the forces of darkness that we are here, and we are not afraid,” said Jeff Wellman, past president of Am Shalom Congregation in Barrie.

Similar messaging was delivered at the ceremony in Innisfil.

“Our response has to be continue adding in positivity,” said Rabbi Zev Kaplan from Chabad Innisfil. “If one such negative horrific event can send such shockwaves around the whole world, how much more so we believe a single act of kindness can influence the whole world.”

Official support

Just like in Bradford, Barrie and Innisfil’s events were also attended by local leaders from all levels of government, as well as police and fire officials.

“It’s all the more important to come together and show solidarity with our Jewish community, let them know we’re here for them,” said Lynn Dollin, Mayor of Innisfil.

“I’ve never seen a community with so much perseverance and strength,” added Alex Nuttall, Mayor of Barrie. “We’re in a super special place where we get to (celebrate Hanukkah) in complete peace.”

Safety and security

Even though Sunday’s tragic incident happened at the other end of the world, questions still remain about safety and security close to home.

John Brassard, Barrie South–Innisfil urged for action.

“It’s also a time to call out the political leaders who remain silent and cowardly in not defending the rights of not just Jewish communities, but all communities as well,” said Brassard in his remarks.

Barrie police and South Simcoe police made it a point to be abundantly present at both events.

Chief Rich Johnston confirmed that the Barrie Police Service has dealt with past instances of antisemitism within the city.

“I do know there are some people here who do not feel safe and secure,” said Johnston. “We’re under no illusion that there are people out there that are filled with hate, and that has no place in Canada, let alone our city.”

Police continue to ask locals to report any suspicious activity as officers continue their heightened police patrols around places of worship.

The eight-day holiday of Hanukkah runs until next Monday evening.