Governor Roy Cooper hosted a Hanukkah menorah lighting at the North Carolina Executive Mansion in advance of the holiday to celebrate and show support for North Carolina’s Jewish community.
Before the lighting ceremony, Governor Cooper hosted the North Carolina Jewish Clergy Association, North Carolina Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein for a meeting to discuss issues that included rising antisemitism and violence against Jewish people and institutions.
Cooper said it was a chance to reflect on the holiday’s valuable lessons, “Including the courage to fight for what’s right so that light can triumph over darkness. Right now, antisemitic violence and threats are increasing rapidly here and across the world and it’s on all of us to speak out and work to stop this dangerous extremism.”
They talked about ways the community can continue to partner with the state to protect houses of worship and other Jewish campuses, including trainings on enhanced security, engagement with local law enforcement, and grant funding opportunities.
Rabbi Judy Schindler said, “In this time of rising antisemitism, we are deeply grateful to Governor Cooper for welcoming the North Carolina Jewish Clergy Association to the Governor’s Mansion. This house represents all of North Carolina’s community. To have a Hanukkah menorah on display here, on these grounds, affirms what we always knew: For the Jewish community, North Carolina is home. A home where love, justice and religious freedom reign.”
Other topics discussed at the meeting included protecting women’s health care, pushing for Medicaid expansion and preserving voting rights.
Hanukkah begins Sunday evening.
