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Site of York massacre to host first Chanukah ceremony
Around 150 Jews were killed at Clifford's Tower in 1190
December 18, 2022 13:22
Around 150 Jews were killed at Clifford's Tower in 1190
December 18, 2022 13:22The site of one of the worst antisemitic attacks in British history is due to be the setting of a Chanukah ceremony for the first time ever.
800 years after around 150 Jews died at Clifford's Tower in York, the site will host the religious event on the evening of Sunday December 18.
Set atop a grassy mound, the stone tower is all that remains of a royal castle in which York’s Jewish community fled to in 1190 during a bout of religious persecution.
Trapped inside by an angry mob, many took their own lives to escape forced conversion to Christianity or murder.
Some died after the stricken Jews lit a fire to destroy their possessions, while others were killed after leaving under the belief they would be given safe passage.
Lilian Coulson, chair of York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC), told the BBC: "As far as we are aware, this will be the first time a Jewish ceremony has been held within the tower since the tragedy."
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, and representatives from North Yorkshire Police and York City Council are due to attend.
The event comes a year after a menorah was lit on the grounds of the former castle for the first time.
Speaking then, Superintendent Mark Khan, said: “This celebration is the first of its kind for us in North Yorkshire Police, and we look forward to making it an annual event.
“We wanted to mark Chanukah as part of our commitment to being a more inclusive organisation and having a deeper understanding of all the communities we serve.
“We are delighted to stand together in solidarity with the local Jewish Communities.”
Clifford’s Tower was reopened in April of this year after a £5 million restoration.
A plaque commemorating the massacre now sits at the bottom of the mound, while every spring thousands of daffodils bloom at the site, their six-pointed shape evocating the Star of David.