Coquitlam menorah lighting ‘an opportunity to show up,’ says rabbi

Extra security is slated to be in place at Spirit Square this Thursday for the scheduled Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting, said Rabbi Mottel Gurevitz of Tri-Cities Chabad.

“I would definitely say the community is reeling,” Gurevitz said.

Fifteen people were killed at a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

“It hits close to home,” Gurevitz said. “They were celebrating the exact thing that we’re doing over here in Coquitlam.”

The celebration in Australia was organized by Chabad of Bondi which, like Tri-Cities Chabad, is part of Chabad-Lubavitch.

The rabbi was a colleague, Gurevitz noted, explaining the shooting in Australia was intended spread fear and “instill terror.”

“We’re not giving in to fear,” he said. “The more they try to bring darkness . . . we’re going to add light.”

Gurevitz credited Coquitlam RCMP for taking the situation seriously, sending over two squad cars to be nearby during recent Hebrew school classes.

Following the tragedy in Australia, Coquitlam RCMP confirmed plans to have extra officers in the area to ensure public safety.

“We definitely have beefed up our security plans,” Gurevitz said.

Asked about anxiety in the community, Gurevitz said he sympathized.

“I understand the fear,” he said. “I wouldn’t push anyone to do something they don’t feel comfortable doing.”

However, it’s crucial that everyone has the freedom to gather and celebrate, “whatever faith group we’re from.”

“This is our time to show up and respond and say that we will not cower in fear,” he said. “This is when it matters most.”

While the event is open to the public, attendees are asked to register in advance.

Festivities are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.