Rishi Sunak hosts Chanukah reception at Downing Street

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has hosted the annual Chanukah reception at Downing Street, where he compared his own Hindu festival of Diwali with the festival of lights.

Speaking to a packed room the PM said that”as a proud Hindu, I’ve often been struck by the similarity between Chanukah and Diwali, though with latkes instead of laddus, dreidels instead of diva lamps.”

He added:”In the spirit of Chanukah, let’s look ahead to 2023 with confidence – where light will always overcome darkness, and hope will prevail over evil.

Sunak was joined by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for a candle lighting ceremony.

The PM also repeated his pledge to visit Israel for next year’s 75thbirthday, telling guests “I can’t wait.”

Amongst those to attend Wednesday’s event were Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl, and Mark Levy from the Jewish Rep Council of Manchester.