The Jerusalem authorities have come under attack for organising multi-faith Chanukah celebrations which rabbis have branded a “disgrace”.

Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, the dean of the Netiv Aryeh Yeshiva and former Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Quarter, has slated a mixed candle-lighting event planned for Israel’s capital on the seventh night of the festival.

Israel’s Arutz Sheva reported that Rabbi Nebenzahl wrote to Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, a prominent decision-maker of Jewish law in the Charedi community, saying: “I turn with great sorrow, heartbreak, and agitation now... because there is a serious trend which seeks to hold mixed Chanukah parties with Jews, Arabs, and Christians under the auspices of the Jerusalem Municipality."

In reference to an event planned for the First Station, a vibrant outdoor shopping and dining mall, he continued: "Unfortunately, this has not been stopped by those responsible for dealing with it on behalf of those who fear God and who acknowledge His name in the Knesset and in the city council."

Rabbi Nebenzahl said the event was sponsored by the Jerusalem municipality and funded by the First Station. “The whole idea of Chanukah was born of the Hasmonean wars against idolatry. How can one make a Chanukah party out of idolatry?” he asked.

Rabbi Nebenzahl urged Rav Kanievsky to "instruct the members of the Knesset, Rabbi Gafni and Rabbi Maklev, to cancel this disgrace and remove the wrath of God from our people even before this matter becomes a big phenomenon that will be much more difficult to stop afterwards" .