NSW pre-Chanukah celebration marks unity and light
Multicultural NSW has hosted the annual communal Pre-Chanukah Celebration at NSW Parliament House, bringing together political leaders, community members, and representatives of communal organisations to celebrate resilience, diversity, and unity.
They lit the menorah
The event was emceed by Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill MP and featured speeches from Premier Chris Minns, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Steve Kamper. Each spoke about the shared values of hope and perseverance central to the Chanukah story. David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, reflected on the contributions of Jewish Australians to the state’s multicultural fabric, emphasising the importance of unity and shared purpose. He noted, “Our heritage is different, but our future is shared.”
David Ossip also reflected on the historical connections between the Jewish community and the New South Wales Parliament, noting the unique role Jewish individuals have played in the state’s development. He shared recollections including the early contributions of Jewish convicts, the establishment of the Great Synagogue with government support in the 19th century, and the milestone of a Jewish speaker and deputy speaker closing Parliament on Yom Kippur in 1917.
Ossip remarked, “When we take a candle to light another candle, the light of the original candle is not diminished, but rather more light is created.” This sentiment encapsulated the event’s spirit of sharing traditions and building a brighter, united future.
The formalities opened with a prayer by Rabbi Yisroel Sufrin, invoking themes of service and community. Rabbi Danny Jaffe ceremoniously lit the shammas of the Chanukiah, symbolising the enduring light of Chanukah. Representatives of the Jewish community participated in lighting the menorah candles, reflecting the diverse segments of Jewish life in New South Wales including Roma Shell (JBD Deputy + various community roles), Peter Halas (Shoah Survivor), Anna Marks (President B’nai B’rith), Peter Phillipsohn (Honorary Governor Jewish Communal Appeal), Michael Morris (President, Paramatta and District Synagogue), Julia Selby (Co-President, North Shore Temple Emanuel), Zac Morris (Vice-President, AUJS) and Miriam Guttman-Jones (NSW JBD Deputy)
Rabbi Eli Feldman and his son performed “Maoz Tzur,” adding a soulful element to the celebration, while attendees enjoyed traditional sufganiyot, a sweet reminder of the season’s festivities. Minister Kamper described the event as a “powerful reminder of the triumph of light over darkness,” reinforcing the shared commitment to harmony and multicultural cohesion.
