By COLlive reporter
Chabad of Melbourne CBD in Australia hosted its annual “Chanukah in the City” with Victorian Liberal Leader Michael O’Brien, Victorian Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Neil Angus, Caulfield MP David Southwick, Box Hill MP Paul Hamer (representing the Premier), and federal MP Josh Burns.
Rabbi Yitzchok Riesenberg of Central Shule spoke on the miracle of Chanukah and how Victoria has 50 doughnut days of no Covid Cases.
Donuts, which are also a traditional Chanukah treat, has become shorthand for no new cases and no new deaths from coronavirus in the country, The Guardian reported.
At the end of a year of pandemic and lockdowns, O’Brien wished the community “Chanukah Sameach.”
“When I think of the Jewish community in this state, I think of resilience, I think of faith and I think of dedication and overcoming the odds. There’s just that determination to see this through. We look forward to a much better, stronger and more prosperous 2021,” he said.
Southwick and Burns spoke about their agreement during the pandemic to place the Jewish community’s welfare ahead of politics.
Hamer, who co-convenes Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Israel with Southwick, noted the Victorian Friends group was widely known for its partisan support of Israel.
Rabbi Yoni Reyder sang traditional Chanukah songs and guests enjoyed Latkes and Doughnuts.
Chabad of Melbourne CBD Shliach, Rabbi Chaim Herzog, commented prior to the event, that his Chabad House has been actively working to encourage and assist people with their transition back to the city.
“What better way than Chanukah to bring light back into what has been a very quiet and dark CBD during these trying times,” he said.
