Between signing autographs for preschoolers and singing along to “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, lit the third candle at the Minnesota JCC – Capp Center St. Paul Wednesday night.
Walz said he was grateful for the work of Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, talking about his relationship with the organization stretching back decades.
“Now more than ever, the strength of that organization, and everyone in this room, is needed,” he said.
The first couple’s decision to attend comes four days after Hanukkah was started with a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, which led to increased security at other pubic events at the start of the holiday – but also with significant resolve.
The celebration at the JCC was full of preschool kids, some families, and Jewish community members there to show appreciation for the governor’s support.
“Our children, growing up over the past few years, seeing unspeakable acts of antisemitism,” he said. “But I also think they see loving adults and a loving community. The light of these candles is symbolic of piercing the darkness. I’m grateful for this community and always have been. A voice of decency, a voice of compassion, and a place we can gather in safety and security.
“It should go without saying, but in this moment…we need to say strongly with our full chest: antisemitism will have no home in Minnesota.”
