File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH

Kamloops Jewish Community to gather for lighting of Menorah in honour of Sydney victims

Dec 14, 2025 | 1:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — “Now it has become a vigil, a mourning vigil besides the first day of Hannukah,” said Heidi Coleman, President of the Jewish Community Centre of Kamloops.

The sunset this evening (Dec 14) marks the beginning of Hanukkah, but in the wake of a deadly attack in Sydney, Australia that has left at least 11 dead and 29 injured, the lighting of the Menorah will not held in it’s usual celebration. 

“We have to worry about Jews being gunned down just for being Jewish and celebrating, and it is the first day of Hanukkah here and it was in Sydney and Australia yesterday,” said Coleman. 

The Jewish community in Kamloops is planning to meet at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. to remember the victims and light the candles for the first night of Hanukkah, and are inviting the greater community to join them. 

“We were planning something joyous on Wednesday at someone’s home and now we are planning to all go down to city hall today and light our Hanukkah candles together,” said Coleman. “If you come in peace, please come.”

1000 WAYS TO HEAL

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: Honouring Our Ancestors

12h ago

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 18, 2025

12h ago

Question of the Week

Have you ever used a designated driver service?

13h ago

“I don’t want to live in fear but then I feel sometimes we have to. I obviously feel very safe here in Kamloops but I don’t know if people felt safe in Sydney Australia. So it’s a very very sad day,” added Coleman. “If people want to shoot people and terrorize communities, because this is terrorism, it’s almost like they will always find a way.”

Coleman noted that throughout Kamloops the faith communities work closely together. 

“People are always extending welcome to us and I just think this is a wonderful community, and If you want to come out and show support on a day when you feel scared to be Jewish or scared to be publicly Jewish and that obviously breaks my heart,” said Coleman.