Bill Shorten

It gives me great pleasure to send my best wishes to the Australian Jewish community for the celebration of Chanukah.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the cleansing and re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean war some twenty-two centuries ago.

Chanukah is an uplifting story of hope and liberation, and a time to celebrate with friends and family, give thanks for our blessings and reach out to those less fortunate.

On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, I pay my deep respects to the Australian Jewish community during Chanukah. I honour your devotion and faith, which finds expression in important religious festivities like this as well as in the day to day Jewish traditions.

Labor rejoices in our nation’s cultural diversity and we recognise that our collective strength lies in the peaceful rituals of our myriad cultures, faiths and traditions that have come to represent one story – our modern Australian story.

As the candles on the Menorah burn after the sun sets, may you all enjoy a Happy Chanukah filled with peace, love and joy.

Chanukah Sameach.

Bill Shorten
Leader of the Opposition