A crowd of more than 1000 people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Tuesday evening for the annual Chanukah In The Square celebrations.
Speakers including the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, and the Mayor Of London, Sadiq Khan, took to the stage ahead of lighting of the menorah in the prestigious location.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis told revellers: "We are proud of the Jewish contribution to life in this country. We are proud of the state of Israel. We pray to Hashem that light will banish darkness from our midst.”
WATCH: The Chief Rabbi addresses Chanukah in the Square at Trafalgar Square
WATCH: The Chief Rabbi addresses #Chanukah in the Square at Trafalgar Square. pic.twitter.com/l5qpG94XnC
— Chief Rabbi Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) December 12, 2017
Mayor Khan received warm applause after he was praised for his efforts to promote tolerance in the capital.
Mr Khan then said: "Can I begin with a greeting of peace - Shalom!”
He then added: "In this city if you are Jewish. Muslim or any faith, we don’t just tolerate you - we respect you.”
He also took time to speak to students from Akiva Primary School, which had brought along its choir to entertain the crowd.
'We don't just tolerate our diversity, we respect and celebrate it': Sadiq Khan joins the Chanukah celebrations in Trafalgar Square #ChanukahSq17 https://t.co/e7uI5WQqxB pic.twitter.com/40v6xH3U2A
— Chanukah InTheSquare (@ChanukahSq) December 13, 2017
The moment the menorah was turned on at #ChanukahSq17 #FestivalofLights @JLC_uk @JewishLondon @JewishNewsUK @sjrbsimon @BentziSudak pic.twitter.com/3EfFLlP4YV
— Chanukah InTheSquare (@ChanukahSq) December 14, 2017
Fantastic atmosphere at the Chanukah in the Square festivities in Trafalgar Square this evening. The enormous contribution the Jewish community makes to our city is a shining example of London at its best. To everyone celebrating - Chanukah Sameach #Chanukah #Hanukkah pic.twitter.com/EgvrSj4BWj
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) December 12, 2017
The crowd were treated to free doughnuts and a performance by the Maccabeats before joining in with the Chanukah songs ahead of the lights being switched on.
A few in the crowd raised Israeli flags at the event which was backed by Chabad Lubavitch UK, the JLC and the London Jewish Forum amongst others.
This was the tenth year the Menorah has been installed in Central London. It is one of the largest in the world, and will shine brightly for the eight day duration of Chanukah, reminding the city of the miracle of the Festival of Light and the religious and cultural contribution of the Jewish community in the capital.
Here in London, our menorah stands side by side with our Christmas tree. We just don't tolerate our diversity, we respect and celebrate it. #ChanukahSq17 #Chanukah pic.twitter.com/6c4DqrdaMr
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 12, 2017
Click here for more Chanukah articles
...and a quick look at the preparations over in Tel Aviv
The day has finally come!! Join us at Trafalgar Square from 5.30pm for Chanukah in the Square for a night of dancing and entertainment! We can't wait to bring in Chanukah alongside thousands of people #ChanukahSq17 pic.twitter.com/ExnDbukXHJ
— Chanukah InTheSquare (@ChanukahSq) December 12, 2017
Here we go! #HappyHanukkah pic.twitter.com/Bvqy4TRWcO
— Tel Aviv (@TelAviv) December 12, 2017
