As Prime Minister, I am determined to root antisemitism out of our country and will leave no stone unturned. We are listening and we are acting.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Britain — where opportunity is shared and pride restored. Standing united in this common cause, we shall and must succeed.
May the lights of Chanukah bring you and your loved ones peace, safety, and strength.
Kemi Badenoch
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch (Image: Getty Images)Getty Images
As Jewish communities across the United Kingdom gather to welcome Chanukah, we are reminded of the enduring power of light to overcome darkness. The story of the Maccabees speaks not only to Jewish history but to universal themes of resilience, courage, and hope.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of visiting synagogues, schools, and community organisations across the country. Everywhere, I have witnessed the warmth, generosity, and determination that characterise British Jewish life. These encounters have deepened my appreciation for a community that contributes so profoundly to our national story.
The shocking terror incident in Manchester brought fear and distress to a community already facing an unacceptable rise in antisemitism. Such attacks strike at the heart of who we are as a country. They strengthen our resolve to ensure that every Jewish person in Britain can live proudly and safely.
Our commitment to this principle is reflected in recent steps to address antisemitic behaviour on campuses, including action to revoke the visas of foreign students found to engage in hateful conduct. No one who chooses to study in Britain should abuse that privilege by threatening or intimidating Jewish students.
A year ago on Chanukah, I wrote that we must all unite in our call for the return of British hostage Emily Damari, whose mother I had recently met. This year, we can finally celebrate Chanukah knowing that Emily Damari and all the living hostages have returned to their families.
As the candles are kindled night after night, may their growing light bring comfort, unity, and renewed strength. I send my warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyful Chanukah.
Sir Ed Davey
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey (Photo by Alex McBride/Getty Images)Getty Images
On behalf of the Liberal Democrats, I wish all our Jewish friends and neighbours a very happy Chanukah.
As you gather to remember the miracle of the Menorah, to celebrate the Jewish faith, and our wonderful Jewish community, many will no doubt also feel a heavy sense of sadness.
Chanukah offers the opportunity to recognise the distinct challenges Jewish communities have faced this year, at home and abroad.
We have seen a record rise in antisemitism, including in the horrific attack which took place in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Although 2025 has seen the return, finally, of the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, our thoughts are also with those who never came home.
Tragedies have left our British Jewish communities afraid, and grieving.
This Chanukah let us celebrate the strength our Jewish friends have demonstrated in the face of great sorrow.
Let it be a moment for us to unite through what brings us together, not what tears us apart.
May the burning candles of the Menorah remind us that hope shines brightly through the darkness, and wishes for a brighter tomorrow.
Nigel Farage
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: Getty)Getty Images
A happy and peaceful Chanukah to Jewish communities in the UK and around the world!
The story of Chanukah is about the light of freedom shining amid the darkness; about hope and faith overcoming fear and persecution. We have seen both sides in 2025.
Britain’s Jewish communities have experienced the darkness, from hate marches and abuse on the streets to the poison of antisemitism infiltrating our country’s institutions. A dark year culminated in the murderous terrorist attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Yet at the same time, we have witnessed the shining light of Jewish people standing firm and together in defiance of dark forces. None more so than the British hostage Emily Damari, snatched on October 7, whose mother Mandy I met while Emily was held by Hamas.
When she was finally released in January, after what her family called almost 500 “tortuous days”, Emily appeared smiling and waving the hand that had lost two fingers in the terrorist assault. The extraordinary strength shown by Emily and the other hostages is an inspiration to us all, a living embodiment of the spirit of Hanukkah – of good triumphing against the odds.
The Jewish community has always enriched Britain, from standing against past tyrannies to defending our shared values of freedom and tolerance today. We at Reform UK stand foursquare with the Jewish communities who have contributed so much to our country’s Judeo-Christian culture.
At this joyful time of the Festival of Lights, I wish all of our Jewish friends a truly Chag Sameach!
Zack Polanski
Green Party leader Zack Polanski (Photo: Getty)Getty Images
Wishing our Jewish communities around the world Happy Chanukah.
Our stories are rooted in inequality and justice. May our future be more positive as we connect in our communities, gather together, pray together and eat together.
It's a good time to think of those less fortunate and how we can all renew our collective efforts to bring peace and justice both here at home and throughout the world.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)Getty Images