December 18 marked the first day Hanukkah The celebration, during which each night, members of the Jewish community light candles on their menorahs.
The eight-day festival is used to illustrate the story of perseverance.
“Overcoming darkness with light, with faith with perseverance and being proud of who you are,” said Naibrith was Canada CEO Michael Mostyn.
“We will overcome the rise in hate, and we will overcome the issues of antisemitism.”
Data from the 2021 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents conducted by B’Nai Brith says that there was a 7.2 percent increase in antisemitic incidents over six consecutive years from 2020 to 2021.
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The audit found that approximately eight incidents occur every day in Canada.
The Saskatchewan government adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism on 19 December.
Adoption is welcomed by B’Nai Brith. They believe it will provide an important tool in the fight against the hatred the Jewish community faces.
“It is very welcome; It’s something the Jewish community has been asking for,” Mostyn says.
The basis for the festival that has been going on for centuries remains the same.
Rabbi Avrohom Simmonds is the executive director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Regina. He is happy with the adoption and believes it is an important first step in the fight to end antisemitism.
“It is also important to recognize that … whether it is the darkness that we are fighting against is calling a spade a spade and antisemitism.” Saymonds says.
To help ring in Hanukkah for this year, Simmonds is encouraging everyone to come to the legislative building on December 20 for the third lighting of the menorah.
They hope everyone makes a New Year’s resolution to increase helping others, sharing with others, and making the world a better place.
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