Watch the moment Boris Johnson broke his menorah — seconds after he was gifted it
Why you should never wave a Chanukkiah about, as demonstrated by the prime minister at the Conservative Friends of Israel business lunch
As Boris Johnson concluded his remarks at Monday’s Conservative Friends for Israel annual business lunch, much of the audience in London’s Park Plaza Hotel will have thought the hilarity was at an end.
But there was one more moment to come as Lord Polak, CFI’s honorary president, rose to his feet.
He invited the prime minister and Yair Lapid, Israel’s foreign minister, back to the stage to offer them a short word of thanks.
There they were presented with a menorah – it was Chanukah, after all.
It took Johnson mere seconds to wave his gift in the air, like a footballer hoisting aloft the World Cup, and sent parts of the candelabra flying across the stage.
As Yair Lapid roared with laughter, the prime minster and Lord Polak scrambled around the floor of the stage to collect the pieces and restore the menorah to its former glory.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.






















