He spoke at the grand Menorah lighting in Mill Hill, London, where he was introduced to rapturous applause by Shliach Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet who thanked him for being such a good friend of the community.
Responding to the fears of the Jewish community in the wake of Antisemitism in the Labour party he said: “The weight of the community has certainly been on my shoulders as many people told me they would leave the country. I certainly recognize that fear that people had and I am very pleased that, that fear has now gone away. This menorah,” he added, “represents light over darkness and that has certainly been our reality.”
The event, organized by Rabbi Schochet and his wife Chanie, attracted more than four hundred people and included live music, dancing and delicious food.
“Absolutely fabulous,” said resident Jack Leviton. “Two weeks ago we thought we might be leaving. Now we find ourselves safely celebrating our Jewish identity out in the open.”
