Calgary’s mayor says she won’t attend the annual Menorah lighting ceremony this year because it has become a “politicized” event in support of Israel.
The move follows another development in Moncton where the city backtracked from refusing to display the Menorah and nativity scene following backlash from the Jewish community.
“On the eve of a beloved Calgary tradition, the annual Menorah lighting at City Hall, I have learned that the event has been repositioned to be political. This breaks my heart,” Ms. Gondeck said. “It is with great regret and sadness that I will not be attending.”
“It has come to my attention late in the day that tomorrow’s community Menorah lighting at City Hall—something I have looked forward to attending over the years—has been repositioned as an event to support Israel,” the statement said. “This last minute change goes against the original intention and has left me feeling let down by leadership.”
Ms. Gondeck said the change made it “impossible” for her to attend the event because, as mayor, her role is to attend only…
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