A message from Peter Dutton
The Leader of the Opposition writes: “On behalf of the Coalition, I wish Australia’s 100,000-strong Jewish community a very Happy Chanukah.
Peter Dutton
During the eight days of the Festival of Lights, families and friends will come together to light the menorah each night, recite blessings, pray, feast, sing, exchange gifts and play dreidel, among many other customs.
Parents will tell their children about the important origins of Chanukah. It was in 175 BC that Antiochus IV succeeded his father on the throne, inheriting the Seleucid Empire, which included Judea. Antiochus persecuted the Jews without compunction. He banned Jewish religious practices and traditions, then in 168 BC, desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem through the erection of pagan idols and allowing pagan sacrifices on the altar.
Under the leadership of Judah Maccabee, a group of Jews showed incredible bravery in resisting Antiochus’ oppression. From 166 BC, they rallied together thousands of Jews and despite being vastly outnumbered, waged a successful guerilla war against the Syrian-Greek forces. Their successful revolt resulted in the rededication of the Temple in 164 BC.
According to the Talmud, there was only a small jar of undefiled oil to relight the Temple’s holy lamp. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days and the annual celebratory tradition of Chanukah was born.
Today, as we regrettably witness a resurgence of antisemitism, the historical origins of Chanukah are a reminder that we must stand up for our democratic liberties, particularly freedom of religious association and freedom of speech. Conversely, our silence will be a signal to the intolerant that their intolerance is tolerated.
I thank the Jewish Australian community for your contributions to our nation this year in so many fields of endeavour. I wish you and your families a Happy Chanukah.
He could at least say BCE, in recognition of Jewish sensitivities…
lovely sentiments. what a pity peter couldn’t find a photo taken in the last decade!!
Its a nice photo of Dutton and he knows how to tie a proper balanced windsor knot too instead of a crooked knot we often see on some MP’s and others..