Community
Havering hosts first official menorah lighting at the Town Hall following London council U-turn
Council leaders reversed their earlier controversial decision to cancel town hall Chanukah celebration
December 13, 2023 14:01
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1 min read
Council leaders reversed their earlier controversial decision to cancel town hall Chanukah celebration
December 13, 2023 14:01By
Havering hosted its first menorah lighting to celebrate Chanukah on Tuesday outside the Town Hall in Romford after the council rolled back on its controversial decision to cancel because of ‘increased tensions.’
The London Borough of Havering, which is under no overall control, attracted widespread condemnation when it announced it would not be putting up the display “in light of escalating tensions from the conflict in the Middle East”.
But after outrage from Jewish community leaders, the council agreed to install the nine-branched lit candelabrum.
The public lighting was attended by hundreds of community members and was described as Romford’s “Cable Street moment” by attendee Jonathan Franklin.
“The rabbi made a great joke at the event and said ‘now everyone knows where Havering is.’
“It was a wonderful.”
The ceremony was led by Redbridge Rabbi Sufrin and Romford Synagogue’s Rabbi Lee Sunderland.
Franklin explained: “We have one of the fastest growing Jewish communities and this lighting was a significant moment in Anglo-Jewish history.”
Crowds attending the special lighting ceremony saw speeches by Havering’s Mayor Councillor Stephanie Nunn, Leader of the Council Ray Morgon and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell.
Rosindell talked about the importance of celebrating diversity and freedom to practice your faith in the UK.
He told guests “Freedom will prevail.”
Jewish leaders had staged an emergency meeting with council leader Morgan after news broke that the event was to be cancelled.
After the meeting he told reporters: “We had a very constructive meeting to discuss our concerns and I fully appreciate why this is such an important installation for the Jewish community.
“We look forward to completion of the permanent installation and our first Chanukah installation.”