Members of a London city council have reversed a previous decision to cancel the display of a Hanukkah menorah.
The Havering Council revealed in a statement that it met with Jewish community leaders regarding Havering’s Hanukkah celebration Friday morning.
This came after the city council previously made the decision to cancel the installation of the Hanukkah menorah display over an “increase” in hate crimes against both Jewish and Muslim communities. In a previous statement, the council argued displaying the menorah could “risk further inflaming tensions” between the groups given the ongoing situation between Israel and Hamas.
A Hanukkah menorah has candles and nine branches that are lit for eight nights. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, along with the miracle of one day’s oil lasting for eight days.
“In the meeting, the parties discussed the reasons behind the pause in a constructive manner and the representatives from the Jewish community were able to reassure the Council on all of the concerns it had previously expressed,” the Havering Council said.
Following this, the parties are delighted to announce that the Council has confirmed its intention to proceed with the permanent installation of the Menorah as originally planned.
— Havering Council (@LBofHavering) December 1, 2023
“Following this, the parties are delighted to announce that the Council has confirmed its intention to proceed with the permanent installation of the Menorah as originally planned,” the council added.
The Havering Council’s decision to not cancel the Hanukkah menorah celebration was welcomed by both the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the London Jewish Forum.
“We are pleased that following a meeting this morning, the Chanukah Menorah installation in @LBofHavering has been reinstated,” the board of deputies of British Jews wrote. “This is a testament to the work of @JewishLondon which we are proud to closely support, as well as the Essex Jewish community council and local Rabbis.”
We are pleased that following a meeting this morning, the Chanukah Menorah installation in @LBofHavering has been reinstated.
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) December 1, 2023
This is testament to the work of @JewishLondon which we are proud to closely support, as well as the Essex Jewish community council and local Rabbis. https://t.co/zNk61qsxlT
Similarly, the London Jewish Forum praised the Havering Council for reversing its previous decision.
After a meeting, we are pleased to announce that @LBofHavering has listened to the Jewish community and will be going ahead with the planned Chanukah Menorah installation. Thank you to Leader Ray Morgon and Havering Council. pic.twitter.com/Xa6FpYwSJu
— London Jewish Forum (@JewishLondon) December 1, 2023
“After a meeting, we are pleased to announce that @LBofHavering has listened to the Jewish community and will be going ahead with the planned Chanukah Menorah installation,” the Jewish group wrote. “Thank you to Leader Ray Morgon and Havering Council.”