Oy humbug! London council CANCELS CHANUKAH over community tension concerns
Decision by Havering to scrap menorah event follows warning by MP Andrew Rosindell that doing so would be 'grave insult to Jewish communities in Romford'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A London council has decided not to allow a chanukiah to be erected outside its town hall to commemorate the full eight days of Chanukah over fears it could inflame tensions between local communities.
Jewish News understands the leader of Havering Council in East London made the “highly sensitive” decision not to allow the installation due to the increase in hate crime in the borough following the 7 October Hamas terror attacks.
Instead, the council has recommended “a temporary installation” along with an “event to celebrate the beginning of Chanukah”.
It is understood that local Chabad Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin had committed to lighting the menorah, while there was also a reception planned at Romford Synagogue on 12 December.
Local Romford MP Andrew Rosindell had written to Havering Council leader Ray Morgon expressing “grave concern” over any move to halt the Chanukah celebration. In a letter seen by Jewish News, he adds: “Should this be true it would be a grave insult to Jewish communities in Romford.”
A leaked email seen by Jewish News reveals Havering Council, which which has no single party in overall control but is led by Havering Residents Association, admits taking “the difficult decision to pause the planned installation of the Chanukah menorah outside Havering Town Hall this year”.
It adds: “This is a hugely sensitive issue but in light of escalating tensions from the conflict in the Middle East installing the candelabra now will not be without risk to the council, our partners, our staff and local residents.”
Confirming plans for a temporary installation the email warns about concerns over “possible vandalism or other action against the installation”.
Worryingly it confirms “an increase in the number of hate crimes” in the borough “both towards the Jewish and Muslim community”. It adds: ”After consulting with the leader of the council we believe it would be unwise to move forward with the installation which could risk further inflaming tensions.”
The email from Havering Council rejects claims of “antisemitism” by those it accuses of “politicising” the decision. It notes that Havering Council flew the Israeli flag in “solidarity” after the “heinous” Hamas terror attacks.
Among those to have raised concerns about the decision to halt the chanukiah installation is Andrew Rosindell, the MP for Romford. In his letter of 24 November, he states that in his view “this is a matter of religious freedom and has nothing to do with current affairs in the Middle East”.
He adds:”It is imperative that we collectively show support for the British Jewish community” and that it would be “a grave disappointment” to see menorahs erected “all over Essex, Redbridge and North London with Havering being the outlier.”
Jewish News has approached Havering Council leader Morgon for comment.
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