Calgary mayor’s decision to skip Hanukkah ceremony draws backlash
CALGARY — The mayor of Alberta’s largest city said she would not attend the annual menorah lighting ceremony to mark the beginning of Hanukkah because she believes it was too political, but her decision sparked a backlash from the Jewish community and Conservative politicians.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek posted a statement on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, saying Thursday’s ceremony at city hall had been repositioned as an event to support Israel.
“When I was asked to speak weeks ago, it was to bring traditional greetings celebrating Hanukkah and the spirit of Calgary’s Jewish community,” she said in the statement posted late Wednesday.
“This last-minute change goes against the original intention, and has me feeling let down by leadership. I am saddened that this change makes it impossible to attend.”
The Calgary Jewish Federation said in an email to its community members that it was hurt and disappointed by the decision.
“As always, and particularly at this time, our community does not waver in our support of Israel, nor will our community forget that 140 Israeli hostages still remain in captivity,” the statement said.
“Our yearning for peace in Israel and Gaza does not run counter to our support of (the land of) Israel, but rather are inextricably linked.”
The federation added on social media that the mayor’s decision was also harmful to the community.
“In more than 35 years, a mayor has never chosen to miss this annual celebration during which we welcome in the light from the darkness,” it said in a post on X.
This week, councillors in Moncton, N.B., reversed a decision that would have ended a 20-year tradition of lighting a Hanukkah menorah in front of city hall. They voted unanimously on Monday to immediately display the menorah — and a Christian nativity scene — after a decision last week to scrap the religious symbols prompted an outcry.
The Calgary mayor’s decision also led to criticism from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and nine federal Conservative politicians from the city.
“I disagree with the mayor,” Smith told reporters during an unrelated news conference.
She said the United Conservative government would have a representative in attendance.
“We stand by the Jewish community at this time and we want to make sure that they know they are valued by us, so we will take part in their cultural event,” Smith said.
Pat Kelly, chairman of the federal Conservative caucus, said Calgary MPs were also troubled by the decision.
“Her decision to withdraw could dangerously normalize antisemitism at a time when, across campuses and communities, Jewish Canadians are already feeling threatened,” he said in a statement.
Calgary MP Greg McLean said he and some of his colleagues regularly go to events at synagogues and mosques to make sure they hear everyone’s voices.
“We’re all public leaders. This is a public event where you should show leadership and continue to be there. We don’t get to choose times to govern,” he said in Ottawa.
“This is a difficult time, but we face up to this all of the time to make sure we don’t divide ourselves and our constituents and their communities, and make sure we participate in their cultural and community events.”