Light overcomes darkness: NSW leaders deliver united message at Chanukah event

The Jewish community has “reclaimed this house for the people of New South Wales.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns and newly elected Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane used this year’s pre-Chanukah celebration at Parliament House to deliver firm messages of solidarity with the Jewish community. Both stressed that antisemitism in New South Wales will continue to be confronted with clear and united political support.\

Addressing more than 100 guests on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Minns said the strong community turnout had sent an unmistakable signal after racist demonstrations outside Parliament earlier this month.

“You have reclaimed this house for the people of New South Wales away from those horrible racists who occupied the front of Parliament a couple of weeks ago. You are welcome” he said.

Mr Minns said Chanukah’s message of light overcoming darkness was especially relevant this year and reaffirmed the Government’s obligation to protect Jewish life across the state.

“Of all places on God’s earth, Australia should be the place where the Jewish community feels the safest,” he said.

Opposition Leader and member for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, speaking for the first time at the event in her new role, said the Jewish community enjoys “multi-partisan support” in NSW, adding that this unity is vital at a time of rising antisemitism.

“We are so incredibly lucky in our state that attacks against the Jewish community are not a partisan issue. You have bipartisan support, multi-partisan support in this state” she said. She described Chanukah as a story of courage that remains meaningful in an uncertain climate.

The celebration brought together Jewish communal leaders, MPs from across the political spectrum and representatives from other faith communities. Marjorie O’Neill MP, serving as MC, said marking Chanukah inside Parliament showed that “even in politics, adding a little bit more light is possible”.

The formalities began with a prayer and reflection led by Rabbi Mendy Berger of Chabad Double Bay, who spoke about moral clarity, compassion and the enduring strength of the Chanukah message.

“Light does not merely compete with darkness; it overcomes it,” he said.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, who hosted the event, thanked the Jewish community for its resilience and contribution to the state. He said the Jewish community “will never be alone” in New South Wales.

Rabbi Eli Feldman, Chief Minister of Newtown Synagogue, recited the Chanukah blessings and lit the shamash candle.

Eight members of the Jewish community were invited to take part in the menorah lighting. David Knoll, Jeremy Levy and Julia Sussman, all directors of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, joined Margaret Foster of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants. They were followed by Philip Cohen, the Board’s longest-serving deputy, and Renee Pinshaw, who represents a wide range of Jewish organisations. Shari Lowe, the acting CEO of JCA, and Robbie Clifford, CEO of COA, completed the group, together reflecting the depth and breadth of Jewish communal leadership in New South Wales.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip closed the formal proceedings by reflecting on leadership, service and unity. He praised both Government and Opposition for their steadfast support and said Premier Minns had been “an absolute rock” for the community.

“When the history of our community is written, it will show that the Jewish community in Australia has never had a better friend than Chris Minns,” he said.

Drawing on the symbolism of the shamash candle, he said true leadership is measured by service to others.

“The candle that rises the highest is the one that lights others,” he said.