‘We ignite light’: Chanukah marked at legislature following deadly attack abroad

Police presence was increased at the legislature for Chanukah after a mass shooting in Australia. Wayne Mantyka reports.

A Chanukah celebration continued outside the Saskatchewan Legislative Building Tuesday night despite a heavy police presence and road graders blocking the street.

The crowd gathered for the annual Festival of Light was not deterred, as police stood watch throughout the event.

Rabbi Avroham Simmonds of the Chabad Jewish Centre told attendees the message of Chanukah is especially important in the face of hatred.

“We do not negotiate with darkness and evil. We ignite light, spread love and kindness,” he said.

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Premier Scott Moe joined a rabbi in lighting a large menorah outside the legislature. He later expressed support for Saskatchewan’s Jewish community following a recent mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Australia.

“Those types of attacks can happen to us as families no matter where we live in the world,” Moe said.

“It’s on us to step forward and be the light in the lives of our neighbours and friends.”

Regina Police Chief Lorilee Davies said additional measures have been put in place to protect the Jewish community.

“We’ve ensured there is additional police presence at places of worship in our city to hopefully provide some comfort to the community,” she said.

Local Jewish leaders acknowledged the grief being felt following the attack overseas, while emphasizing resilience.

Rabbi Simmonds said the community will continue to stand strong.

“We are going to light those lights and make sure they carry forward stronger, brighter and prouder than ever before,” he said.

Gustavo Zentner of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs called on governments to confront antisemitism and hate.

“We look to elected officials to face the level of antisemitism, discrimination and hate — not only against the Jewish community, but against all minority groups,” he said.

Chanukah marks the triumph of light over darkness, a message that carried added significance this year as Saskatchewan’s Jewish community mourns the loss of life in Australia.