News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

---

HARPER LIGHTS MENORAH TO MARK JEWISH CELEBRATION OF CHANUKAH

December 19, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in a Menorah lighting ceremony on Parliament Hill to mark the Jewish celebration of Chanukah.

“It is my distinct pleasure to participate, for my first time as Prime Minister of Canada, in this great tradition,” said Mr. Harper. “As I prepare to light the Chanukah menorah in our nation’s capital, I am joined by Jewish Canadians across our country, lighting their menorahs in their own homes, surrounded by their family and loved ones.”

The Prime Minister noted that the lighting of the menorah for Chanukah symbolizes the victory of the light and the Torah over the darkness of forced assimilation. It celebrates freedom of religion and the victory of freedom over tyranny.

“The Jewish people have had to overcome many challenges throughout their history,” said Mr. Harper. “They did so by finding strength in their faith and culture. Canada has greatly benefited by their tremendous contributions to our country.”

The Prime Minister attended the ceremony at the invitation of Rabbi Chaim Mendolsohn of Chabad of Centrepointe in Ottawa.

---

The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]