Havering Borough officials argued the installation only risked “inflaming tensions” within the community
The Borough of Havering in East London has abandoned its plans to erect the traditional Hanukkah menorah in front of Town Hall this year, opting to only briefly place a “temporary installation” in its stead.
The local council attributed the move to the “escalating tensions from the conflict in the Middle East” and stood by its decision despite facing sharp criticism, which included accusations of “cowardice” and even “anti-Semitism.”
The decision to scrap the display to celebrate the upcoming Jewish festival was first reported by local media on Wednesday. The Havering council claimed that placing the Hanukkiah, a special nine-branched candelabrum traditionally lit during the eight-day holiday, commonly referred to simply as the ‘Hanukkah menorah,’ would “risk further inflaming tensions” within the community. Instead, the council said it would erect a “temporary installation” to mark the beginning of Hanukkah, which will be dismantled immediately after the event.
The move has been harshly criticized by Jewish rights groups and politicians alike, with local Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell expressing “grave concern” over the decision.
“Should this be true, this would be a grave insult to the Jewish community in Romford. Fundamentally this is a matter of religious freedom, and has nothing to do with current affairs in the Middle East,” the MP stated.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism, a London-based NGO, slammed the decision by the council as a display of “cowardice” and a breach of its public duties.
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