Mayor Sadiq Khan hosts early Chanukah party

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan jointly hosted a Chanukah reception at City Hall with London Jewish Forum on Tuesday night, with dignitaries and diplomats mingling with religious leaders and community representatives.

The mayor’s bash was held in place of the annual ‘Chanukah in the Square’ event, which was shelved this year because the dates fall over Christmas, when a large Christmas tree is erected in Trafalgar Square, the usual venue.

After the event, Khan tweeted: “Great to host early Chanukah celebrations at City Hall & mark the contribution London’s Jewish community make to our city. Chanukah Sameach!”

Joining the mayor was Israeli ambassador Mark Regev, Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks, LJF chair Adrian Cohen and several Members of the London Assembly.

Cohen said: “LJF is proud to continue to work closely with and enjoy the friendship of the Mayor of London. We are delighted to partner with Sadiq Khan, as we have with previous mayors, to bring together the Jewish community with our friends and partners across London – from all walks of life, faiths and ethnic backgrounds – to celebrate Chanukah.”

He added: “In 2017 and beyond, the London Jewish Forum will continue to work with the Mayor, his administration, the Assembly and Councils across our great city. We are committed to advocating on the issues that affect Jewish Londoners, from security and social cohesion to housing, welfare and transport.”