Havering Council in East London has decided to cancel its annual Hanukkah candles and scale back celebrations due to fears of vandalism and inflaming tensions within the community, citing the recent rise in hate crimes towards the Jewish and Muslim communities.
However, Jewish community leaders have criticized the decision, stating that it undermines relations with the local community and that the response to rising antisemitism should not involve hiding away.
They urged the council to reconsider its decision and work with the community to address the issue. (Trending: Another Major Company Goes Woke And Goes Broke)
The London Jewish Forum, along with the local Jewish community and our partners in communal organisations, have sent this letter to both the Leader and CEO of Havering Council, in light of the council’s current plans in relation to a public Chanukah lighting. pic.twitter.com/vZqKd9HuQ8
— London Jewish Forum (@JewishLondon) November 30, 2023
“Cancelling the planned installation of a menorah as a result of the rise in antisemitism is the worst possible way to respond to hatred,” the Jewish Leadership Council said.
“The council must reverse this decision and work with their local community to repair the damage this decision has caused.”
The statement added, “no one should be heard to suggest that the response of the Jewish community should be to hide away… instead, at such a difficult time our local Jewish community needs to see leadership from its civic leaders.”
“The only people likely to be inflamed… are antisemites, and you should not allow antisemites to dictate council policy. No reasonable person should be offended by the sight of an ancient symbol of the Jewish faith, they said.”
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