Hanukkah message: the power of tears

Hanukkah message by Hon Harry LaForme at the Temple Anshe Sholom Hamilton, Ontario - Memorial service for victims of Bondi Beach

Shalom: To the Hamilton Jewish Federation-thank you for this

privilege.

The story of the Jewish people has many weaving similarities to the

First Nations of this country. Like the Jews, we are resilient, we are

survivors, we trust, and we maintain and believe that at the

center of the universe dwells the Creator who is everywhere

and dwells within us all.

Over the last number of years many tears have been shed over

senseless acts of violence to the Jewish community. I have

shed my share of tears along with you. In the Anishinaabe culture

- my culture - tears are viewed as a sign of strength; as a sacred

medicine and a spiritual act that connects individuals to their

ancestors and to the Creator.

We believe that tears are considered one of the "seven natural ways

of healing". They are a spiritual release that "washes away despair'

and allows for the movement of emotions to restores balance and

well-being.

Our Elders teach us that tears are prayers too—they travel to the

Creator when words fail. Those who are grieving; those who shed

tears are considered as holy or awakened because they stand on the

threshold of the spirit world.

Wiping away the tears is a communal act that provides a safe space

for participants to share their burdens and "wipe away" the heaviness

of trauma, such as that caused by the Holocaust, October 7,

Amsterdam, Boulder Colorado, Washington, Montreal, Ottawa

Manchester, Toronto - and now Bondi Beach Australia. In this

environment, tears represent a "legacy of strength" rather than just a

burden, symbolizing the endurance of the people through genocide

displacement and horror.

It grieves and infuriates me that my Jewish brothers and sisters are

experiencing the horror and pain that they are. Those charged with

public safety are profoundly failing you; they are failing us. Jew hatred

antisemitism, violent jihadist extremism is wrong. It should not be

happening and it must not be allowed to continue. It is evil. It is

wicked. It must end.

These dark times put me in mind of the wisdom of Dr Martin Luther

King Jr. who reminds us that “Hope is being able to see that there is

light despite all darkness” and to “Let your hopes, not your hurts

shape your future”.

Today is the last night of Hanukah and the fourth Sunday of the

Christian Advent season. Throughout the world the last candle of

Hanukah is lit just as the fourth advent candle representing Love is

also lit. Our shared humanity and commitment to Light and Love

brought us together today.

My family and I stand with you and yours in light, in love and with hope

- not just as allies but as loving friends. In community let us shed the

tears of healing, send our prayers to the Creator and light the candles.

3Let us empower the light, let us dispel the darkness - and in hope with

love overcome the evil facing us all.

Let our tears be a symbol of endurance and a signal to the Jewish

People - you will never be alone. Together we are a potent force for

change and for good.

May this season of light bring joy and may 2026 bring us the miracle

of peace.

Miigwetch; Shalom; Thank You!

Harry LaForme