Jewish community members in East London are celebrating after their City Council changed its mind Friday about forbidding the town hall menorah for Hanukkah.
On Thursday, the London borough of Havering announced the “difficult” decision to pause the menorah installation to avoid “possible vandalism or other action against the city and local residents.”
“We appreciate 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, staff and local residents. We would also be concerned with any possible vandalism or other action against the installation,” the Havering Council wrote in a statement.
After widespread anger, local rabbis, the London Jewish Forum and the Essex Jewish Community Council met with the council to discuss the decision.
In their meeting, Jewish community representatives reassured the council about safety, The Havering Daily reported.
“We had a very constructive meeting to discuss our concerns, and I fully appreciate why this is such an important installation for our Jewish community,” the leader of the Havering Council, Ray Morgan, said in a statement to the news outlet. “We look forward to the completion of the permanent installation and our first Chanukah ceremony.”
The council had canceled the installation due to an increase in antisemitism. The Community Security Trust reported 1,124 antisemitic incidents from Oct. 7 to Nov. 7.
“Due to an increase in the number of hate crimes in Havering, both toward the Jewish and Muslim communities and 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 within out communities,” the council had said in a statement.
The council said its decision was not rooted in antisemitism, but rather for safety reasons.
“Sadly, there are some who are politicizing this and making accusations of antisemitism. This is categorically untrue, and such statements are likely to incite further unrest in our communities,” it said, adding that an Israeli flag was flown in solidarity following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
The menorah installation and ceremony are scheduled for Dec. 12.
“The Essex Jewish community has proudly been displaying menorahs for 35 years, and this is our 10th and newest,” Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, executive director of Chabad North East London & Essex, said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating together with the entire Jewish community of Havering and beyond at our very special celebration.”
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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