For two decades, a menorah has been proudly displayed outside Moncton City Hall. This tradition is deeply personal to me and many others in our community. It's more than just a symbol; it's a beacon of hope, unity, and resilience for the Jewish community here in Moncton.

Recently, however, this tradition was abruptly halted without explanation or consultation. This has left us feeling marginalized and unheard at a time when antisemitism is on an alarming rise by 1200% globally (source: Anti-Defamation League). The removal of our menorah feels like another blow to our already embattled community.

Moncton prides itself as being inclusive and diverse. Our city's motto "Resurgo" - I rise again - speaks volumes about our shared values of resilience and unity in diversity. The menorah display was an embodiment of these values; its absence now sends an unsettling message.

Despite numerous efforts to speak to Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold and city spokesperson Isabelle LeBlanc throughout the day Friday, CBC News was unable to confirm the menorah decision or the rationale for it. There was no response at all.

At the meeting, the mayor said "city hall should be neutral as far as religion is concerned."

Meanwhile, Christmas symbols, including angels with trumpets and a large Christmas tree, are on display outside Moncton City Hall. In light of the menorah decision, Francis Weil, president of the Moncton Jewish Community, called this "an indicator of discrimination."

"In response, I said that you can't pick and choose. If you're going to separate church and state, you can't have any religious symbols whatsoever," said Moncton-based lawyer Leigh Lampert, who is a member of the Moncton synagogue board of directors.

“If some faith symbols are OK, but others are not, that’s discrimination. It’s not acceptable and must be immediately corrected,” the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said Saturday on X (Twitter).

“This inexplicable decision, made under the guise of separation of church and state, is being bemoaned by the local Jewish community and must not stand,” said Michael Levitt, president and CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center For Holocaust Studies.

Weil said there are about 120 Jewish people living in Moncton, spread among about 60 families.  

We are not asking for special treatment but merely the continuation of a long-standing tradition that means so much to us. We believe that reinstating the display will send a strong message against antisemitism and affirm Moncton's commitment to its diverse communities.

For most religions, specific “holy” days are a key aspect of religious practice, belief, and belonging, and an important means by which individuals and their communities reinforce their identities and their relationships.

Join us in urging the city officials to reinstate this cherished tradition by signing this petition today! Chanukkah begins in the evening on Thursday, December 7th, 2023.

See News articles below for more details:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/moncton-city-hall-menorah-hanukkah-francis-weil-1.7046813

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/moncton-menorah-mayor-dawn-arnold-statement-1.7048461

https://nationalpost.com/news/moncton-city-hall-prompts-criticism-after-cancelling-annual-menorah-display

https://globalnews.ca/news/10145042/moncton-menorah-not-displayed-jewish-community-hanukkah/

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/backlash-continues-following-moncton-s-decision-to-not-display-the-menorah-this-year-1.6671507

https://www.cp24.com/news/decision-by-moncton-n-b-to-mothball-hanukkah-menorah-sparks-outcry-1.6672484

https://halifax.citynews.ca/2023/12/04/decision-by-moncton-n-b-to-mothball-hanukkah-menorah-sparks-outcry/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-decision-by-moncton-nb-to-end-hanukkah-menorah-display-sparks-outcry/

https://thecjn.ca/news/moncton-n-b-city-councillors-cancel-a-20-year-tradition-of-lighting-a-hanukkah-menorah-outside-city-hall/

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/381379

https://www.country94.ca/2023/12/04/moncton-bans-menorah-from-city-hall/

https://tj.news/moncton-miramichi/moncton-council-under-fire-over-menorah-decision

https://bnn.network/politics/monctons-decision-to-nix-menorah-display-sparks-claims-of-discrimination/

Precedent with the London Council of Havering:

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-03/ty-article/.premium/london-council-reverses-cancellation-of-menorah-installation-following-public-backlash/0000018c-2ffd-dc03-a9ec-3fff97110000

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/havering-council-hanukkah-menorah-lighting-controversy-b1124249.html

https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-776102