London council proceeds with Hanukkah celebration after canceling it for ‘escalating tensions’
Jewish neighborhood members in East London are celebrating after their metropolis council modified its thoughts Friday about forbidding the city corridor menorah for Hanukkah.
On Thursday, the London borough of Havering introduced the “difficult” resolution to pause the menorah set up to keep away from “possible vandalism or other action against the city and local residents.”
“We appreciate this is a hugely sensitive issue, but in light of escalating tensions from the conflict in the Middle East, installing the candelabra now will not be without risk to the council, our partners, staff and local residents. We would also be concerned with any possible vandalism or other action against the installation,” the Havering Council wrote in a press release.
After widespread anger, native Rabbis, the London Jewish Forum and the Essex Jewish Community Council met with the council to debate the choice.
In their assembly, the Jewish neighborhood representatives reassured the council about security, The Havering Daily reported.
“We had a very constructive meeting to discuss our concerns, and I fully appreciate why this is such an important installation for our Jewish community,” the chief of the Havering Council, Ray Morgan, mentioned in a press release to the information outlet. “We look forward to the completion of the permanent installation and our first Chanukah ceremony.”
The council had paused the set up resulting from a rise in antisemitism. The Community Security Trust reported 1,124 antisemitic incidents from Oct. 7 to Nov. 7.
“Due to an increase in the number of hate crimes in Havering, both toward the Jewish and Muslim communities and after consulting with the leader of the council, we believe it would be unwise to move forward with the installation, which could risk further inflaming tensions within out communities,” the council had mentioned in a press release.
The council famous its resolution was not rooted in antisemitism, however fairly for security causes.
“Sadly, there are some who are politicizing this and making accusations of antisemitism. This is categorically untrue, and such statements are likely to incite further unrest in our communities,” it mentioned, including that an Israeli flag was flown in solidarity following the Oct. 7 terrorist assault on Israel.
The menorah set up and ceremony are scheduled for Dec. 12.
“The Essex Jewish community has proudly been displaying menorahs for 35 years, and this is our 10th and newest,” Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, govt director of Chabad North East London & Essex, mentioned in a press release. “We look forward to celebrating together with the entire Jewish community of Havering and beyond at our very special celebration.”
