Statement on Christmas and Hanukkah 2016

(OTTAWA) December 24, 2016 – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), released the following statement to recognize Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations:

“2016 is an unusual year in which the timing of Hanukkah and Christmas coincide. The lighting of the first candle on the menorah will take place in the homes of Jewish families, as Christian households head for Christmas Eve services.  While some will attend church and synagogue, others will choose to share precious family time over a meal in anticipation of Christmas morning. For Christians, Christmas is a joyous time to share gifts and remember the birth of Christ as the hope and light of the world.

“Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown this evening and is observed for eight days and nights. Hanukkah commemorates the Miracle of Hanukkah, when the oil lamp in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem burned for eight days to mark its rededication following the Judean Revolution. One new branch of the menorah is lit each night to mark this miracle.

“A Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you and yours. May you have a joyous holiday, however you choose to celebrate. Be safe, have fun and have a wonderful Christmas!” Ms. May said.

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