London council cancels planned lighting of a Hanukkah Menorah

East London’s Havering Council  has cancelled the planned lighting of  Hanukkah candles this year over concerns they could be vandalised.

Havering Council said it would be “unwise” for the traditional menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday, to be installed outside the Town Hall located in Romford.

It added that going ahead could “risk further inflaming tensions within our communities” and the council’s leader has approved the decision.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MAB) raised concerns over the cancellation of the planned lighting of the Menorah, saying: “We stand ready to offer our support to our Jewish brothers and sisters who feel threatened and afraid.”

“No one should be afraid to practise, celebrate or express their faith in our country. A Menorah celebrating a Jewish festival will not inflame tensions and cause offence. Havering Council should reconsider their decision and not help feed antisemitism in Britain,” they added.