The Jewish community in Waterloo, located in southern Ontario, marked the beginning of Hanukkah by illuminating a towering five-meter menorah on Sunday. The event held special significance in light of a tragic incident earlier that day at Bondi Beach in Australia, where a Hanukkah gathering was targeted by gunmen, resulting in numerous casualties. Authorities in Australia classified the attack as a terrorist act aimed at the Jewish community.
Sarah Hazan, a participant in the Waterloo menorah lighting, expressed that such gatherings play a crucial role in uniting people during challenging times. Rivky Goldman, co-director of the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life in Waterloo, emphasized the importance of community strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The celebration featured traditional fried delicacies like sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) and potato latkes. Rabbi Moshe Goldman explained the significance of oil in Hanukkah, recounting the historical narrative of the miraculous oil that burned for eight days during the rededication of a sacred temple in Jerusalem.
The organizers aimed to make the event inclusive, welcoming not only Jewish individuals but also members of the broader community. Attendees like Sefora Catana shared personal reasons for participating, such as reconnecting with their Jewish heritage.
Additional festivities, including a Fun-nukah Fair in front of Guelph’s city hall, were organized on the same evening. Multiple menorah lighting events are scheduled in different cities, with the Waterloo Chabad emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and safety. Waterloo Regional Police Service assured heightened security measures for upcoming celebrations and urged vigilance against hate and violence.
The local menorah lighting in Waterloo marked the beginning of a series of planned events, showcasing the community’s commitment to resilience and unity. The organizers remain dedicated to upholding the essence of Hanukkah despite the challenges faced by Jewish communities worldwide.
