Op/ed: Solemn commemorations shouldn’t become political rallies

by Maxine Fischbein

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(AJNews) – “I came here to mourn, not to attend a political rally.”  This remark from a friend nearly one week after the One Year Later Commemoration aptly sums up the discomfort felt by this writer when Jewish communal leaders saw fit, once again, to hand politicians the mic at an event where we should have been afforded the space to grieve and to console one another in a suitably muted atmosphere.

I have no doubt that Calgary Heritage Member of Parliament Shuvaloy Majumdar, Alberta Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir, and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi are sincere in their personal support for our community.

Nevertheless, solemn commemorations like Yom HaShoah and the one that took place on October 7—following the worst torture, humiliation and murder of Jews since the Holocaust—require a tone that is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain when politicians are invited to speak.

Certainly our allies in the community at large should be invited to sit among us at events like the one held on October 7. But, as the wisdom found in Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) should serve to remind us, there is a time to talk and a time to listen.

In Pirkei Avot we are told by Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar that we should not comfort mourners while their deceased are in front of them.

Both literally and figuratively, our deceased are still lying in front of us. October 7, 2024 was therefore a time for Jews to come together as we would for a funeral. It is okay to invite our friends and allies to join us; we are indeed fortunate when they choose to do so.

It is not alright to be distracted by political agendas during such sacred moments; over the years this has led to some cringe-worthy moments.

October 7, 2024 was not the time for speeches at least one of which edged uncomfortably into political campaigning. We forgot ourselves when we clapped, cheered and rose to our feet in standing ovations.

Our Calgary Jewish Federation lay and professional leaders take much pride in the advocacy work they do with politicians. We should thank them for it and support them in it.

I have but one request of them. Please invite politicians to sit with us during times of grief and to speak with us on other occasions, when we can truly engage with them, when there can be real give and take, when it is appropriate for us to express appreciation for their support.

But not when our dead are lying before us.