The Mayor of London Boris Johnson will join members of the Jewish community and other Londoners this evening (Thursday 28 November) for a celebration to mark Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights.
Chanukah in the Square will see a special ceremony involving the lighting of the Menorah, marking the second night of Chanukah. The Menorah is the largest in Europe and all communities and faiths are welcome to attend the ceremony. There will be live music, an appearance by Dreidleman and the distribution of thousands of doughnuts and Chanukah gelt to attendees.
The annual community event is supported by the Mayor and organised by the Jewish Leadership Council, London Jewish Forum and Chabad-Lubavitch UK. This year Chanukah runs from 27 November to 5 December.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'I'm delighted to once again join with London’s Jewish community for the lighting of the Menorah in Trafalgar Square. One of the joys of being able to mark Chanukah in the square, is that it enables all Londoners to share in the rich cultural heritage of Jewish people. It is also a time that can be shared by other faith communities, who can recognise in their own beliefs, the strength and redeeming power of the story of miracle of the lamp, and who also celebrate in so many ways the festival of lights. My best wishes to all celebrating at this special time. Chag Sameach.'
To see the Mayor's YouTube message for Chanukah go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Ys0kFQDks&feature=youtu.be Event: Menorah lighting ceremony for Chanukah Date: Thursday 28 November 2013 Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm Venue: Trafalgar Square, London
Notes to editors
1. The Menorah lighting ceremony will start at 6pm and finish at 7pm.
2. The Menorah was constructed for Trafalgar Square by Metallico and Ellis & Moore and designed by Mendy Levy in 2007.
3. For further press information, or for press coverage of the event, please contact Gabi Kobrin, [email protected] / 07827 851 540 / 020 7242 9734