Chelsea Pensioners celebrate Chanukah for the first time
The event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea was attended by veterans, Royal Hospital staff and serving members of HM Forces.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, home to retired soldiers of the British army, hosted its first ever Chanukah celebration in conjunction with His Majesty’s Forces Jewish Chaplaincy.
Forty guests attended the event, hosted by Chelsea Pensioner Barrie Davey, for veterans, Royal Hospital staff and serving members of HM Forces.
A candle lighting ceremony was led by Major Rabbi Reuben Livingstone, Jewish Chaplain to HM Armed Forces and AJEX, the Jewish Military Association.
He said: “One of the privileges of being a military chaplain is sharing religious moments and experiences with diverse communities. Our Chanukah party was perhaps one of the most special. Celebrating our festivals is always a highlight of the year, but doing so in such unique company and settings was remarkable. As a serving officer with the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department, I feel very lucky to be able to support Jewish veterans in this manner too.”
Martin Field, Director of public engagement at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said: “Comradeship lies at the very heart of what we do, and it was truly inspiring to see our Jewish Pensioners open their Chanukah celebrations up to their friends and the wider community. It was clear to all just how strong the mutual bond service creates is.”
The event was followed by a reception sponsored by AJEX.
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