Moncton Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah and synagogue's 100th anniversary
CBC
Victoria Volkanova was remembering Jewish resilience and courage by celebrating Hanukkah on Sunday.
She, along with several others, gathered at Moncton's Tiferes Israel Synagogue for the festival of lights.
The Jewish festival included lighting the menorah candles, eating fried food, enjoying music and other festivities. The event was also a kickoff for more celebrations as the city's synagogue turns 100 in 2026, she said.
"We know that there is a lot going on in the world, in Canada, but we feel proud to be Jews and we are here to stay, and to celebrate our resilience and our community, our traditions," Volkanova said.
"We just want peace and love and that's all we want in the world."
Avigail Volkanova said her favourite part is seeing the community come together in Moncton for a Jewish holiday that is widely celebrated.
She said looking at people travelling to celebrate feels "very heartwarming."
Emmanuel Maicas said his favourite part is observing the menorah being fully lit. During the eight-day festival, the community lights a candle every night, he said.
"Tonight we have a whole menorah of eight candles. It's going to be bright, it's going to be beautiful, and it brings light to the darkest time of the year," Maicas said.
Francis Weil is the president of Moncton's Jewish community. He said it is important to continue celebrating Jewish culture in the wake of recent challenges the community faces around the world.
"It's very important. We feel that we are not going to hide simply because people are threatening us," Weil said.
He said he understands the fear when talking to other members in his community. However, the fear does not call for hiding, but rather means taking more safety and security precautions, he said.
For the last couple of years, the synagogue in Moncton has required people to be checked by security before entering, he said.
"Love is stronger than hate," Weil said. "We all should teach our children, you know, that when you grow up, love your neighbour, don't hate them and stop trying to eliminate somebody because of a particular religion or particular race."
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