Thursday evening at sunset marks the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Celebrated over eight days and nights, it is a time for Jews everywhere to memorialize the recapturing of Jerusalem and rededication of our Holy Temple, located on the Temple Mount, in the second century BC.
Since then, it has also come to represent and commemorate the spirit of survival of the Jewish people over millennia, and the repudiation of those enemies who seek to humiliate, dehumanize, marginalize and ultimately destroy us, our customs, religion and our ancestral homeland.
And what a timely period in history for this annual tradition to be highlighted and reinforced right now.
And so I wish all of our friends and allies here in Prince George a very happy Hanukkah. Everyone, regardless of background and culture and religion, should be proud to safely let their lights shine bright during this extended holiday season.
Eli Klasner
Prince George
