A Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony was held on December 18 at Brampton City Hall, bringing together representatives from diverse faith traditions, including Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, alongside municipal leaders and police officials. Amid the winter cold, participants gathered to light the menorah, offering a collective response of prayer and reflection in the face of global uncertainty, and affirming shared aspirations for peace, understanding, and hope.

Nearly 50 interfaith leaders attended the ceremony. Representing Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto were Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, Superintendent Venerable Zhi Guan, and lay representative Wilson Yau. Joining religious leaders from multiple traditions, they offered blessings and demonstrated the spirit of interfaith unity, mutual respect, and cooperation.

The gathering carried added significance inlight of a recent mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which authorities identified as a terrorist attack. Against this backdrop, the Hanukkah candle lighting took on deeper meaning, underscoring a shared determination among faith communities to stand firmly against hatred andviolence.

The ceremony opened with welcome remarks by Rabbi Michal Shekel of the Brampton Hatikvah Congregation. She noted that Hanukkah is not only a time for family gatherings and celebration, but also a reminder of “how to safeguard light in times of darkness.” Rabbi Shekel then led the assembly in traditional Jewish songs in both English and Hebrew, creating an atmosphere that was solemn, reflective, and warmly uplifting.

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, and Nishan Duraiappah, Chief of Peel Regional Police, also addressed the gathering. They expressed condolences in response to recent acts of hatred and violence worldwide, emphasizing that no one should live in fear because of their religious beliefs. Both leaders affirmed that faith should be a source of compassion, understanding, and social cohesion, rather than division.

Oneof the event’s organizing partners, the Interfaith Council of Peel (ICP), has long been committed to promoting interreligious dialogue and cooperation. Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto is anactive member of the council, continuing its engagement in fostering harmony and understanding across faith communities.