Calgary’s premier and mayor attend the menorah lighting at City Hall

The 36^Th The annual Calgary Community Menorah lighting will take place Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of City Hall.

The event celebrates Hanukkah, which began on December 25th and ends on January 2nd.

Prime Minister Danielle Smith and Mayor Jyoti Gondek will both be in attendance this year.

“As mayor of Calgary, a city celebrated for its vibrant multiculturalism and dynamic spirit, I am committed to celebrating and participating in the diverse cultural and religious traditions of all our communities,” Gondek wrote in a statement.

Last year’s event was marred by controversy after the mayor decided not to attend because it had been “repositioned as an event in support of Israel” based on a leaflet.

This year, a similar poster reading “Support Israel” was made as part of the same Israeli bond raffle.

CTV reached out to the mayor’s office to ask why there was a change of heart this year.

Prime Minister Smith was also not at the event last year as she was in Dubai for the COP28 summit.

Chabad Lubavitch Alberta Chief Rabbi Menachem Matusof said Monday’s event was “a celebration of light, Jewish pride and support for our holy land of Israel.”

Rabbi Matusaof said Hanukkah is about freedom of expression and the right to practice the Jewish faith.

“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part.”