London Mayor Attends Lighting

Chabad Lubavitch UK marked the beginning of Chanukah 5772 by lighting the Trafalgar Square Menorah in front of a crowd of over 2000 people.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London was the special guest at the ceremony. He spoke about the symbolism of the menorah and the connection to the theme of freedom. After a countdown, he flicked the switch and the Shamash light came on, followed by the first candle. The crowd erupted into applause as the Shabbaton Choir led Haneirot Hallelu and Moaz Tzur.

A small army of Chabad students worked their way through the crowds distributing free menorah kits, chanukah guides, doughnuts and chanukah ‘gelt’. Following the choir, entertainment was provided by the eclectic Neshama band as people danced and celebrated in the middle of the concourse.

Four years ago the Chabad menorah project in Traflagar Square was initiated by Rabbi Gershon Overlander of Chabad of Hendon. This year Chabad Lubavitch worked with a number of communal organisations – Jewish Leadership Council, London Jewish Forum, CST and Jewish News Media Group – so as to publicise the event and attract even larger crowds.

Aside from the Mayor, other speakers to address the crowd included Chabad UK’s Rabbi Bentzi Sudak, CST Chairman Gerald Ronson, LJF Chairman Adrian Cohen and the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub.

Rabbi Bentzi Sudak said, “‘The fact that so many people from different walks of life can come together and celebrate with pride in such a public central location is a tribute to the spirit of our community and the uniqueness of the great city which we are blessed to live in. The success of the event is a reflection of the work of all of the organisations and individuals involved.’