Mosaic shines a light on antisemitism impacts on Edmonton’s Jewish community
Posted January 4, 2023 6:01 pm.
Last Updated January 4, 2023 6:50 pm.
The story of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is more than a century old and it’s still a story that resonates today.
“Fiddler on the Roof is portrayed in the 1800s but still, to this day, we are seeing antisemitism,” explained Tammy Vineberg, Jewish Federation of Edmonton.
The touring Broadway production is stopping in Edmonton this week. Cast members are getting a glimpse at how still antisemitism impacts the city’s Jewish community.
“My first impression was so striking, to see so much sadness and so much anger within such a beautiful art piece,” said Jonathan Hashmonay, who plays Tevya.
The “Shine a Light on Antisemitism” mosaic was created in 2021. For each tile, a community member adds how antisemitism impacts them.
![Tammy Vineberg of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton show the Shine a Light on Antisemitism mosaic to cast members of Fiddler on the Roof from B](https://edmonton.citynews.ca/wp-content/blogs.dir/sites/15/Tammy-Vineberg-of-the-Jewish-Federation-of-Edmonton-show-the-Shine-a-Light-on-Antisemitism-mosaic-to-cast-members-of-Fiddler-on-the-Roof-from-B.jpg)
Tammy-Vineberg-of-the-Jewish-Federation-of-Edmonton-show-the-Shine-a-Light-on-Antisemitism-mosaic-to-cast-members-of-Fiddler-on-the-Roof. (Photo Credit: Rod Maldaner, CityNew)
It comes, as reports of religious-based hate crimes are on the rise in Canada, with the majority targeting the Jewish community.
Winnipeg-born actor Elliot Lazare, who plays Mendel, tells CityNews he felt safe with his Jewish identity for most of his childhood, but now, “Unfortunately, in the last few years, I’ve been in situations where I didn’t feel that way,” he explained.
“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating. But it’s also a challenge for us to overcome, to rise to. As people, we’ve gotten over this, and we will continue to.”
For Lazare and Hashmonay, they’re hoping those who come to see the touring production in Edmonton, take a moment to reflect on how antisemitism exists beyond 1905 Russia.
“It’s ongoing, always ongoing education. It starts with teaching our children and then teaching their children,” said Vineberg. “It’s important to not just focus on the holocaust, but antisemitism as a whole.”
The mosaic will continue to be set up in public spaces and taken to schools to continue the conversation.