Turnbull, Shorten: Happy Chanukah!
With Chanukah upon us, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have both sent festive greetings to members of the community.
WITH Chanukah upon us, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have both sent festive greetings to members of the community.
In each of their messages, the two politicians reflect on the story of the festival and the lessons that we learn from it today.
“For centuries, the lights of Chanukah have proclaimed the power of hope, and renewed the promise of freedom for Jewish people around the world,” said Malcolm Turnbull.
“In our time, their message of enduring faith and religious tolerance is more important than ever.
“The rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the lamp oil illustrates the resilience and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people in the face of adversity. Menorahs will burn brightly, here and around the world. They will remind us that freedom and tolerance are precious and that the Jewish people will continue to be a light unto the nations.
“They also remind us how much Australia’s Jewish families and communities enrich our national life and culture.
“As you gather in celebration and reflection, on behalf of myself, Lucy and all Australians, I wish the publishers and readers of The Australian Jewish News a freilichen Chanukah, a very happy Chanukah!”
The sentiment was echoed by Bill Shorten, who said, “Chanukah, the eight day festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean war.
“Chanukah reminds us that a commitment to freedom requires all of us to engage in the effort to defend and support the struggle against tyranny and evil around the world, which sadly remains a serious challenge. In times when we hear so much tragedy, let us allow Chanukah to remind us that good will always prevail over evil.
“This celebration also serves as an opportunity for all of us to recognise the important contributions that the Jewish community has made to our country.”
He added, “I trust that each and every one of you will celebrate Chanukah with your families, along with many latkes and sufganiyot.
“On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, I wish everyone a blessed and peaceful holiday. Chanukah Sameach!”
AJN STAFF
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