Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes Jewish Heritage Month
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Vaughan continues
celebrating its strong multicultural, spiritual roots
During
this afternoon’s Vaughan Council Meeting, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua recognized
May as Jewish Heritage Month and issued the following statement:
“Throughout
the month of May, we celebrate the proud Jewish culture in our city and their
many achievements and contributions.
“I encourage
everyone to take part in the many Jewish Heritage Month events
happening across our city, including a historical exhibit here at City Hall, a
flag-raising ceremony to mark Israel Independence Day and a Theodor Herzl
memorabilia display.
“This
day is also one of reflection. Beginning this evening, and continuing through
to May 2, we commemorate Yom Hashoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day.
“We join
our partners and friends in the Jewish community in our vow to never forget the
victims of this dark moment in history and to do our part to ensure light and
peace prevail in the world.
“Recently,
I had the opportunity to visit New York City with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan from the
Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill.
”While
in New York, we visited Ohel Chabad Lubavitch, the sacred resting site of the
Rebbe, in honour of the 117th anniversary of the beloved Rebbe’s birth. It was
a day of spiritual reflection, prayer and inspiration.
“Together,
we toured the World Lubavich Communications Centre, which shows a ‘behind the
scenes’ of what it was like in the Lubavitch Headquarters’ busiest time, as the
Rebbe’s message was reaching out worldwide.
“It was
an honour and a pleasure for me to participate in this meaningful visit that
connects beautifully to today’s recognition of Jewish Heritage Month.
“In
Vaughan, our diversity has become our strength.
“The
progress we have made on a number of key city-building initiatives would not be
possible without our collective commitment to respect one another and for the
many rich cultures and religions that flourish here.
“We are
fortunate that outside of Israel, Vaughan has one of the largest and fastest-growing
Jewish populations in the world.
“We
value our role as an important centre for the spiritual, cultural, social and
educational needs of Jewish families in our region.
“I am
also proud that our city is home to a number of synagogues. They are important
community hubs and demonstrate the meaningful place spirituality and faith
still have in our society.
“Together,
we celebrate important events and holidays, including Chanukah, Rosh Hashanah,
Yom Kippur, Purim and more.
“We also
stand united with our Jewish friends and denounce acts of hate and
anti-Semitism, including this past weekend’s senseless and cowardly violence at
the Chabad of Poway synagogue in California, as well as abhorrent news of vandalism
in Thornhill. We are united in our belief that there is no place for
intolerance in our community.
“Vaughan remains committed to fostering
diversity, understanding and mutual respect.
“Our
goal is to continue to create a municipality that is welcoming, inclusive and
caring. It is important to foster an appreciation for many cultures and faiths
and what they bring to our civic life.
“This month, I encourage everyone to recognize,
share and celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of Jewish Canadians.”
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Watch Mayor
Bevilacqua’s Jewish Heritage Month statement
video.
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