We all understand the need to place limits on gatherings with the oh-so-contagious COVID-19 in our midst. But how are we to understand permission granted for Christmas celebrations but not for Chanukah celebrations? That’s what happened in Quebec, Canada, and the only way to understand the ruling is from the perspective of antisemitism: Christmas yes, Chanukah no. It really is that simple.

“Premier Legault has not addressed the concerns and needs of several minority groups in Quebec, including the Jewish community,” said Michael Mostyn of Bnai Brith Canada.

“While we applaud the notion of a seven-day family quarantine in late December, it fails to allow accommodation for Jews to celebrate the eight-day Jewish holiday of [Chanukah].”

One wonders what would have happened in had there been a separate Muslim holiday to take into account during the same time period.