Thousands of Jewish primary schoolchildren from across the world will unite for a live-streamed Chanukah lighting from Israel on Wednesday afternoon.

More than 200 classes from 25 schools in the UK, USA and Latvia have signed up for “Unite with Light”, the brainchild of Rabbi Dovi Colman, a teacher at Broughton Jewish Cassel-Fox Primary School in Salford.

“In normal times, Chanukah might include concerts, events, huge menorah lightings,” Rabbi Colman said. “I wanted the children to experience that same sense of Jewish unity and togetherness this year.”

Schools from other countries are expected to join the event, which will feature messages from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Israel Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely, as well as musical entertainment led by Rabbi Marc Levine of Belmont Synagogue, a seasoned cheerleader at the annual Etgar Challenge.

The initiative has been organised by Pajes, the UJIA and JLGB with support from the Genesis Philanthropy Group.

Rabbi David Meyer, Pajes executive director, said, “At a time of such darkness there is perhaps no better to way to bring light into our lives than to see children from across the world celebrating Chanukah and lighting together.

“It reinforces the Chanukah message that by standing and praying together ,we can overcome adversity and bring light and joy back into our lives.”

The event will be streamed at www.pajes.org.uk at 2pm.