Thanks to Community for Vigil Support
Rabbi Harry Brechner and Michael Bloomfield, Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria
(reprinted from the January 11, 2012 edition of the Times Colonist)
Volume 26 Issue 1 & 2 | Posted: February 28, 2012
We want to express our pride in and gratitude to the people of Victoria.
We want to express our pride in and gratitude to the people of Victoria. The atmosphere, energy and sheer numbers of diverse people who came to the vigil at the Emanu-El cemetery last Sunday demonstrated loudly and clearly that the values of respect, care and diversity are honoured here in Victoria. The Jewish community felt embraced and supported and was grateful that our core values of peace with and respect for others were celebrated.
The hate crime targeted the Jewish community, but clearly affected our entire community. The hate graffiti message of darkness was overcome by the tremendous light generated at the vigil. Our answer to hate or misplaced anger was a powerful demonstration of unity and hope.
I want to thank all our local leadership for standing with us, all our elected officials as well as all the clergy who came in solidarity with the Jewish community.
In Hebrew we say “kol ha kavod,” respect! It is our hope that this chapter of ugly hatred is fully behind us.
Rabbi Harry Brechner and Michael Bloomfield, Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria
(reprinted from the January 11, 2012 edition of the Times Colonist)