Chanukah Greetings from Victor Dominello
The NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Victor Dominello, has sent a Chanukah message to the Jewish community.
Victor Dominello
“I extend my best wishes to the Jewish community of New South Wales on the occasion of Chanukah or the ‘Festival of Lights’.
Chanukah marks the ancient feast celebrating the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil. It is also a powerful affirmation of Jewish identity, and represents the community’s commitment to peace, unity and respect. It also provides a time for the Jewish community to socialise with family and friends and to focus on the important role of faith in daily life.
Celebrated over eight days, the lighting of the menorah during Chanukah symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, and the importance of faith in helping us overcome even the greatest of obstacles.
Premier Barry O’Farrell proudly hosted the recent lighting of the menorah in Parliament House. This important event was attended by more than 200 community members and leaders from many faiths, as well as many Members of Parliament from all sides of politics. This is a clear sign that our Government, the Parliament of NSW and the broader community recognise and respect the Jewish faith and community, as one of the vital faiths and cultures which make New South Wales such a diverse and dynamic state in which to live.
I hope that the universal message of love and respect demonstrated during Chanukah adds to a greater understanding and respect between all communities in New South”
As someone who has written speeches for a former Premier, I find this message from Victor Dominello to be quite inane. Half the message is taken up with telling the reader what Chanukah is – given that the readership is Jewish, of course we know what Chanukah is! The remainder of the message focuses predictably on the tolerance accorded to Jews and other ethnic minorities in NSW, and the support for such tolerance accorded by the Government.
What utter rubbish! Any 8th grader could write such drivel. It sounds like Mr Dominello has no personal knowledge of Jews or Judaism (Chabad – make sure to involve him in your Chanukah lightings next year!), which is surely untrue.
Perhaps Mr Dominello’s staff might like to take a page from the Premier’s book. Barry O’Farrell’s speech at the Chanukah celebration at Parliament House was truly masterful, weaving personal anecdotes with an insightful commentary on Jewish prayer and its message for today.