A Hanukkah celebration at the Victorian Parliament on Monday saw representatives from all sides of politics light candles for the Jewish community of Melbourne.
According to Australian Jewish News, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Nick Staikos was one of many to attend the celebration, representing the Victorian Government.
Mr Staikos was joined at the event by the Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto.
In a speech, Mr Staikos described how he had attended another Hanukkah celebration alongside Mr Pesutto the night before at the Hellenic Museum.
“There was a beautiful fusion of Jewish and Greek culture and that was most enjoyable,” he said.
Mr Pesutto stated that “non-Jews in Victoria” also “take pride” in the Jewish community.
“I think I can say Nick and I and our colleagues will protect not only Victoria’s amazing Jewish community, but we will do it in the name of other people of goodwill,” Pesutto told those in attendance.
St Kilda Shule’s Rabbi Yaakov Glasman also spoke to the community about the significance of Hanukkah especially amidst the current Israel – Hamas war.
Source: Australian Jewish News
