Hundreds dance beneath Europe’s largest menorah in Trafalgar Square

This was followed by vocalist Avi Krauss, and a reggae-rap band featuring Chazan Pini Brown, trumpeter Erran Baron Cohen and rapper JBC.

[Missing Credit]A group pose in front of the Trafalgar Square menorah, December 16 (Credit: Daniel Ben-David)

Also performing was a choir made up of Jewish primary schools from across London. Conducted by Stephen Melzack, the pupils, from Clore Tikva, Mathilda Marks-Kennedy, Etz Chaim and Wolfson Hillel, united to perform Maoz Tzur and We know a Man.

Music performers on stage at Trafalgar Square, with Rachel Creeger (Credit: Denise Lester)[Missing Credit]

The nephew of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the British rabbi killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack only two days previously, recited a prayer on stage. Watching from the crowd was London’s deputy mayor Mete Coban.

Keith Black, chair of the JLC, told attendees that at a time when the Jewish community is “still reeling from the murderous attack against Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur, and as we mourn the victims of the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Australia, events like ChanukahLIVE! remind us that we will always choose joy over fear.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger's nephew recites a prayer on stage at Trafalgar Square, with Rachel Creeger (Credit: Denise Lester)[Missing Credit]

“For thousands of years, the story of Chanukah, the Maccabees’ miraculous victory of the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, has taught us that light will always overcome darkness. That message has never been more important. And tonight, we bring that message to life with the light of the menorah, with music, with dancing, and yes, with doughnuts.”