Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper hosted a Chanukah party last Wednesday at his home, joined by fifty guests, among them fourteen Chabad representatives in Canada. Harper, who marked Chanukah every year since arriving in office in 2006, said this is the first time any Canadian Prime Minister has hosted a Chanukah party at his private residence.

“We are delighted that you could all come to my home today,” Harper said at the party. “This is the first time the Prime Minister’s home has ever been opened for a Hanukah celebration.”

Chabad representative in Centrepointe, Ottawa Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn helped coordinate the event and program.

“The Prime Minister has shown great courage in his support for Israel and for Jewish life in Canada, and this Chanukah party was representative of his genuine character and principled leadership. His display of acceptance and tolerance bodes well for Jewish life in Canada,” Mendelsohn told Lubavitch.com.

Click here for photo gallery

Photo Credit: PMO/by Jason Ransom