Havering Council U-turn over cancelled Hanukkah candle display

Havering Council has changed its decision to cancel the display of Hanukkah candles outside its town hall this year.

It had cited "escalating tensions from the conflict in the Middle East" as the reason a permeant candelabra would not be installed.

But after a backlash, the leader of the council, Ray Morgon, said it would now go ahead as planned.

Mr Morgon said he "fully appreciates" why it is "important".

The local authority said it had been "concerned with any possible vandalism or other action against the installation."

The council had planned to install a temporary menorah, which would be taken down after the event.

A statement previously said due to an "increase in the number of hate crimes in Havering, both towards the Jewish and Muslim community, 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 our communities."

The Muslim Association of Britain said in a statement it was "incredibly concerned" at the move, and described it as "offensive to our Jewish brothers and sisters".

It offered to help steward events for Hanukkah and provide extra security if needed.

They said they would "stand shoulder to shoulder with British Jews in the face of the scourge of antisemitism".

However, after a meeting with Jewish community leaders in the area on Friday, the decision has been reversed.

Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE, executive director of Chabad North London & Essex, said: "Following a positive meeting at Havering Council we are absolutely delighted that council leader Ray Morgon carefully listened to us and has come to the conclusion that we will all continue with our original plans".

Daniella Myers, the director of the London Jewish Forum, added she felt the community "had been listened to".

Mr Morgan said: "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."

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