Calgarians celebrate Hanukkah

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is joining the city's Jewish community in celebrating Hanukkah.

Nenshi will help light the fifth candle on a menorah at City Hall on Sunday evening at the city's 22nd annual celebration of the Festival of Lights.

"Being representative of the whole city doesn't mean that we have to dilute our traditions to the lowest common denominator," he said.

"It means that we can celebrate them all and the City Hall atrium — I think of it as Calgary's living room. So I am thrilled that our living room is representative of the great diversity of this city."

Nenshi said the ceremony is an important way of celebrating the many religions in Calgary.   "I think for a long time, long before my election, City Hall has been a place where all Calgarians can feel comfortable," he said.

"For six years or so, the mayor has presided over Eid events for the Muslim community at City Hall and I was happy to do that. I am happy to be there at the lighting of the menorah and I am even happy to have a Christmas tree in my office here."

The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, which began at sunset on Wednesday and continues until Dec. 9, involves lighting candles on a candelabra, or menorah, over eight days to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the Hellenist Syrians in 165 B.C.