Menorah in Martin Place
The Chanukah celebration organised in Sydney’s Martin Place , the scene of this week;s siege, was cancelled in respect to this who lost their lives…but the giant menorah has been erected and carries a message to all Australians.
A Menorah shines its lights in Sydney’s Martin Place
Chabad has constructed the 10 metre high Chanukah Menorah in Martin Place in the same place it has stood annually for the last thirty years.
This year, the following message has been prominently displayed:
“The Jewish community of Australia expresses our deepest sympathy for the families of the Martin Place tragedy. May the Lights of the festival of Chanukah bring comfort and warmth to our nation”
After lengthy discussions and consultation with the authorities and communal leaders, the decision was made to cancel the Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Martin Place, scheduled for the third night of Chanukah, Thursday 18 December.
“Whilst the event was cancelled, the presence of the Giant Menorah sends a powerful message that light will always overcome darkness.”, said Rabbi Elimelech Levy, Director of Chabad Youth NSW and coordinator of the annual “Chanukah in the City” celebration.
“As we mourn the loss of life and the atrocity that has taken place, people of goodwill will continue to shine the light of freedom and communal harmony, which is what the Chanukah Menorah is all about.”
Gone was the music. gone were the dancing bocherim, gone were the children’s entertainment facilities, gone were the dignitaries, gone were the speeches of joy.
In Martin Place the Menorah quietly sheds its light on one of the darkest moments of Sydney’s history.
