Launceston Airport menorah back up
Negotiations between airport and Chabad of Tasmania result in the menorah being put in a secure area
Launceston Airport in Tasmania has reversed it’s decision not to host a menorah during Chanukah this year.
In a letter seen by the Australian Jewish News, an airport official had earlier apologised for reneging on the agreement with Chabad of Tasmania, citing security concerns.
“Our security review of risk over our busiest period highlighted … that due to the current political climate of the unrest regarding right [sic] extremist activity poses a threat to our staff and visitors.
In a statement later on Thursday, an airport spokesman said, “Following discussions with federal and state agencies, the local Jewish community and other Australian airports we are now comfortable we can safely display the Menorah in the terminal during Chanukah, as we have for the past two years. We apologise for the confusion and wish all of our travellers a happy holiday.”
The AJN understands the menorah will now be erected in a secure area, but will be visible from the public part of the airport.
Rabbi Yochanan Gordon, co-director of Chabad of Tasmania, told the AJN he would have to see how visible the menorah will be before making a comment on the airport’s solution.
“It should never have gotten to this stage. The CEO was shocked when he heard about this, and I believe these decisions about not allowing the menorah were taken by people lower down in the organisation” he said.
Previous correspondence with Chabad of Tasmania indicated that Launceston Airport tried to not host the menorah on the grounds it was taking “an inclusive approach” this year by not referencing any religious affiliation.
They temporarily backtracked when informed that their display clearly referenced Christmas celebrations.
The airport has hosted Hanukkah menorahs without any issue for several years.
Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory called for Launceston Airport to “stand up to the anti-Israel haters and reinstate its long-standing tradition of displaying a Chanukah Menorah”.
He said the fact that a Jewish holiday like Chanukah is not safe from the anti-Israel extremists shows that the Albanese Government has lost control of social cohesion in Australia.
“There is a small Jewish community in Tasmania. They deserve to be treated like any other Australians. When extremists threaten Australia’s diversity and way of life, the answer is never to surrender to them” Gregory said.
Rabbi Gordon says the Jewish community of Tasmania will be proudly celebrating Hanukkah this year, including a giant menorah lighting ceremony on the 26th.
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