EJP | News | UK | Livingstone promises annual Chanukah celebration

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Livingstone promises annual Chanukah celebration

Updated: 02/Jan/2006 16:24

London Mayor Ken Livingstone with a delegation of rabbis during the public Chanukah lighting

Photo: Neil White

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London Mayor Ken Livingstone has vowed to host an annual Chanukah lighting ceremony at City Hall, despite accusations that this year’s event was simply a publicity stunt.

Livingstone aroused opposition and concern among London’s Jewish community in 2005 after he refused to apologise for comparing Jewish journalist Oliver Finegold to a concentration camp guard.

But at a Chanukah lighting ceremony last week at City Hall, home of the Mayor and the London Assembly he heads, Livingstone spoke of his respect for the Jewish people of London.

“I am proud that London continues to be a city where different faiths and communities live alongside each other with tolerance and respect,” he said.

“The Jewish people have made a vast contribution to freedom of religion and cultural expression in this city over many centuries.”

Announcing his new plan, Livingstone added, “In recognition of this, I intend this to be an annual event at City Hall. I would like to wish London’s Jewish communities a very happy Chanukah.”

Jewish deputy mayor Nicky Gavron added, “In lighting the menorah at City Hall, we recognise the value of this freedom and we also acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contribution that the Jewish community has made to London’s culture, economy and history.”

“I hope that the City Hall Menorah will become part of the London landscape every Chanukah for years to come.”

Mixed response

The decision to host a Chanukah lighting ceremony was criticised by some Jewish communal leaders and received a mixed response from the community.

Livingstone has had a troubled relationship with the Jewish community over the years over his negative comments about Israel and his hosting of Sheikh Yusuf Al- Qaradawi, a controversial Muslim cleric who believes suicide bombings in Israel are justified.

His remarks last February to Finegold resulted in charges of bringing his office into disrepute. Livingstone now faces a possible ban from public office of up to 5 years when the Standards Board for England meets later this month to consider the charges brought before them.

London Assembly Member Brian Coleman was suspicious of the timing of event and said, “Perhaps the mayor will take the opportunity of Chanukah to issue an apology for his remarks earlier this year.”

Labour Member of Parliament Louise Ellman said, “I welcome this recognition of Chanukah but it is no substitute for making a proper apology for the offence he has given previously.”

Conservative MP Lee Scott said, “I would very much like Mr Livingstone to apologise to the community for his comment to the reporter but I welcome this gesture.”

Publicity stunt?

The Jewish News, a free weekly newspaper, said the menorah lighting ceremony was a publicity stunt.

Outlining its concerns, the newspaper’s editorial branded the event “a photo opportunity to try and gloss over the damage he’s done to his reputation.”

The paper’s editorial continued, “This is one whitewash that certainly won’t wash with us. How, we wondered, could a man who has so affronted our community over the past few months have the audacity to act like our best friend now? An act of repentance perhaps?”

The Chanukah lighting ceremony was organised by Chabad of Hendon, north London. Rabbi Gershon Overlander, who lead the ceremony, said, “The menorah at City Hall was done at the initiative of City Hall.

“If the mayor chooses to promote religious tolerance I see no reason to stop them. I hope most people welcome this development.”