Local imam invited to light Ealing’s chanukiah at interfaith gathering

Attendees came from the borough and beyond to “show support and solidarity to the Jewish community”, said Ealing Synagogue chair, Gary Barak, adding: “We are overwhelmed with the turnout this evening, and its especially heart felt for several reasons. We have so many faiths here, including our Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh friends as well as Jewish people from across London, and that means so much to us.”

Ealing Synagogue chair Gary Barak (Photo: Ealing United Synagogue)[Missing Credit]

He said that one of the victims of the Bondi attack had been a first cousin of Ealing’s Rabbi Vogel, but Rabbi Vogel “still bravely led the Ealing event”.

Expressing gratitude to Ealing Council for hosting the event, Barak also paid tribute to Ealing Metropolitan Police, saying they had “continued tirelessly to go over and above expectations to make sure that the Jewish and all other faiths and religious communities remain safe”.

Other guests invited to light the giant chanukiah included Ealing’s Mayor Cllr Anthony Kelly, Deputy Leader of Ealing Council Louise Brett, Metropolitan Police Faith Liaison Officer Muhammed Dar and Borough Commander of London Fire Brigade Ben Moore.

Officer Muhammed Dar lights a Chanukah candle in Ealing (Photo: Ealing United Synagogue)[Missing Credit]

Ealing Synagogue’s deputy chair Jonathan Glass said: “We decided to remember those who were killed in Australia earlier in the week and mentioned them all as we lit the candles. It just seemed the right thing to do. When atrocities like this happen it’s vital we all stand together and become even stronger and the wonderful turn-out we have tonight demonstrated this so well.”

After the chanukiah-lighting, guests were invited into Ealing Council’s offices doughnuts and latkes, hosted by the council, along with Rabbi Hershi and Zelda Vogel.