Increased police presence at Calgary menorah lighting after Australia mass shooting

An annual menorah lighting ceremony was held at Calgary City Hall Monday night.

While this is usually a joyful, family-friendly celebration, this year the mood is noticeably more somber after a deadly attack at a Hannukah event in Sydney, Australia over the weekend, which left at least 15 people dead.

Aviva Cheuk has been attending the ceremony for 35 years, and understands why some others didn’t attend this year.

“I think some people didn’t feel safe enough to come this year and you can’t blame them for that,” she told CityNews. “And there is a little bit of a hard feeling but we need to come, we need to be together, we need to support each other and we need to stay united.”

Calgary police had an increased presence at City Hall for the event.

CPS says the move comes following a deadly incident in Bondi Beach, Australia over the weekend where 15 people were killed and dozens others injured.

Officials stress however, there is no known threat here at home.

Staff Sgt. Rod Macneil with Calgary police says this is about being cautious.

“We will have increased presence at tonight’s menorah lighting unfortunately in the wake of the weekend’s tragic event in Australia,” he explained. “We’ve stepped up patrols for tonight and we’ve also stepped up our presence at other Hanukkah activities for the next week or so.”

Cheuk said unfortunately, the additional security is needed.

“It’s very sad that we are the only ethnic group in the world that needs a police service for any celebration, or worship or any gathering,” she said.

In light of the attack, the group Independent Jewish Voices Calgary, which was planning to protest the menorah lighting, cancelled their protest.

They had planned to protest the distribution of Israel Bonds which is part of the event.

Attendees were encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour like specific threats, bags or belongings left unattended, vehicles out of place or not parked properly, and people not adequately dressed for the weather.

Monday’s event drew in hundreds gathering to support the Jewish holiday, resilience, and togetherness, including Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.

Last night at City Hall, our Council team stood with Calgary’s Jewish community and affirmed the city we are building.

Confronting antisemitism, defending freedom of worship, stopping intimidation, and taking responsibility for public safety.

Calgary chooses courage, unity,… pic.twitter.com/QflPKKIRcd

— Jeromy (Pathfinder) Farkas (@JeromyYYC) December 16, 2025