A public menorah-lighting ceremony meant to celebrate Hanukkah at Winnipeg's largest hospital was violently disrupted this week by an outburst of antisemitic hate speech, leaving the local Jewish community shaken and prompting swift condemnation from officials.
Incident Details and Official Response
The incident occurred on Monday, December 16, 2025, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. According to reports, an individual shouted antisemitic slurs as people gathered to mark the second night of the Jewish Festival of Lights. The event was abruptly cut short.
By Wednesday, Shared Health and hospital officials had issued a joint public apology, calling the event "deeply disturbing and unacceptable." The statement unequivocally condemned racism, hate, and discrimination and extended "sincerest apologies to everyone who was present."
The authorities acknowledged the "real pain, fear and trauma that such hateful words can cause, particularly during what should have been a moment of peace, reflection and celebration." The incident has been reported to the Winnipeg Police Service for investigation.
Community Leaders React to Rising Tensions
Local Jewish leaders expressed profound disappointment and linked the event to a broader, worrying trend. Rabbi Kliel Rose told the CBC that antisemitism has been on the rise since the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
"It's really hurtful," Rabbi Rose said. "I'm so disappointed that someone would choose to raise their voice and express negative thoughts about Jews … where people are celebrating a holiday that underlies the importance of bringing light into the darkest time of the year."
Belle Jarniewski, an official with the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, was attending a conference in Jerusalem when she heard the news. She noted the grim irony that colleagues from Israel and Europe, who have endured significant trauma, are now expressing concern for the safety of Jewish communities in Canada.
Political Condemnation and Security Measures
Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara confirmed the ministry contacted police and stated that security is being planned for future Hanukkah events at the hospital. Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also condemned the act at an unrelated news conference.
"No one in the world should be the victim of hate and violence simply because of who they are," Mayor Gillingham stated.
The Winnipeg incident occurred just one day after the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration and left 15 people dead. That attack, which police say was inspired by the Islamic State group, has prompted law enforcement agencies in the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere to vow increased vigilance around Jewish community events.
The disruption at the Health Sciences Centre serves as a stark reminder that hate speech and antisemitism remain urgent issues requiring continued vigilance and firm rejection from all levels of society.
