Historic Menorah lighting at Foreign Office marks solidarity with Jewish communities

For the first time, a Chanukiah stands tall in the courtyard of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), symbolising solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide in the wake of recent terror attacks.

Jewish staff members, joined by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on the fourth night, have taken turns lighting the candles.

Rebecca Viney, Sophie Ross, and Elliot Jebreel, Co-Chairs of the FCDO Jewish Network, told Jewish News:“For the first time, a Chanukiah stands tall in the FCDO courtyard as a proud symbol of our commitment to Jewish communities around the world, and the Jewish contribution to His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service.

“As Jewish staff light it each night, including with the Foreign Secretary, we take heart in celebrating together, bringing more hope and light into the world at a time of increasing conflict.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper added: “Chanukah is a celebration of light, hope and perseverance—values that resonate across the UK and the world. This year, they feel especially poignant.

“This Sunday saw a horrifying antisemitic attack on Bondi Beach, with victims including a UK-born Rabbi, bringing the tragedy even closer to home. We’ve offered support to the family, and my thoughts are with all those affected.

“We have seen violence in the UK too, including the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur.

“Make no mistake: an attack on Jewish people is an attack on us all—on our values, our freedoms, and our democracy. We will not tolerate it.

“Today, we marked Chanukah in the FCDO’s King Charles Street, hosting a public Chanukiah for the first time. This stands as a visible symbol of our support for Jewish colleagues, communities, and friends, and of the UK’s commitment to freedom of religion or belief for all.

But our commitment is also practical: we are providing extra security funding for synagogues and Jewish schools, new measures to address intimidating protests outside places of worship, investment to combat antisemitism in education, and an independent review to give police clearer, stronger tools. Inciting hatred is illegal, and free speech can never extend to hostility or violence.”

Cooper also attended a ceremony held at the Australian High Commission in London. Also attending both Chanukah events were Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg, senior vice-president Adrian Cohen and chief executive Michael Wegier.