closeicon
News

Thousands celebrate Chanukah In The Square 2017

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and the Mayor Of London Sadiq Khan took to the stage ahead of lighting of the menorah

articlemain

A crowd of more than 1000 people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Tuesday evening  for the annual Chanukah In The Square celebrations. 

Speakers including the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, and the Mayor Of London, Sadiq Khan, took to the stage ahead of lighting of the menorah in the prestigious location.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis told revellers: "We are proud of the Jewish contribution to life in this country. We are proud of the state of Israel. We pray to Hashem that light will banish darkness from our midst.”

WATCH: The Chief Rabbi addresses Chanukah in the Square at Trafalgar Square


Mayor Khan received warm applause after he was praised for his efforts to promote tolerance in the capital.

Mr Khan then said:  "Can I begin with a greeting of peace - Shalom!”

He then added: "In this city if you are Jewish. Muslim or any faith, we don’t just tolerate you - we respect you.”

He also took time to speak to students from Akiva Primary School, which had brought along its choir to entertain the crowd.


The crowd were treated to free doughnuts and a performance by the Maccabeats before joining in with the Chanukah songs ahead of the lights being switched on. 

A few in the crowd raised Israeli flags at the event which was backed by Chabad Lubavitch UK, the JLC and the London Jewish Forum amongst others.

This was  the tenth year the Menorah has been installed in Central London. It is one of the largest in the world, and will shine brightly for the eight day duration of Chanukah, reminding the city of the miracle of the Festival of Light and the religious and cultural contribution of the Jewish community in the capital.

Click here for more Chanukah articles

...and a quick look at the preparations over in Tel Aviv

Share via

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive