Annual Menorah lighting at city hall on Monday evening

City's annual menorah lighting set to take place Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Premier Danielle Smith plan to attend the annual menorah lighting, after missing last year's event.

The 36^th annual Calgary Community Menorah lighting will take place in the City Hall atrium at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

The event celebrates Hanukkah, which began on December 25 and ends January 2.

Premier Danielle Smith and Mayor Jyoti Gondek will both be in attendance this year.

“As the Mayor of Calgary, a city celebrated for its vibrant multiculturalism and dynamic spirit, I am committed to honouring and participating in the diverse cultural and religious traditions of all our communities,” Gondek wrote in a statement.

Last year’s event was marked by controversy, after the mayor decided to not attend because it had been “repositioned as an event to support Israel” based on a flyer.

A similar poster was made this year, saying “supporting Israel”, with the same Israel bonds raffle.

CTV has reached out to the mayor’s office to ask why there was a change of heart this year.

Premier Smith also wasn’t at the event last year, as she was in Dubai for the COP28 summit.

Chabad Lubavitch Alberta Senior Rabbi Menachem Matusof said Monday’s event is “a celebration of light, Jewish pride, and supporting our holy land, Israel.”

Rabbi Matusaof said Hanukkah is about freedom of expression and the right to practice the Jewish faith.

“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.”