Ottawa, Ontario - 16 December 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the beginning of Chanukah:
“This evening at sundown marks the first night of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
“Chanukah is a meaningful eight-day celebration of the victory of the Maccabees, which liberated the ancient Israelites from oppression and their rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is also a celebration of the ‘great miracle,’ when one day’s worth of oil burned for a full eight days, symbolizing the power of faith to bring light to a world often filled with darkness and despair.
“Tonight, Jews across Canada and around the world will gather with their family and friends to light the first candle of the chanukiah, an important tradition which people of the Jewish faith have upheld for over 2,000 years.
“Chanukah is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the meaning of faith, freedom and the triumph of good over evil, and to pay tribute to the tremendous contributions of Canada’s Jewish community in all areas of endeavour.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish everyone celebrating Chanukah both in Canada and around the world a happy and peaceful holiday.
“Chag Chanukah Sameach!”
