Prime Minister Tony Blair has become the first British leader to light a candle marking both an ancient Jewish festival and the 50th anniversary of Israel as an independent nation state.

He performed the ceremony at his constituency home in the tiny former pit village of Trimdon Colliery, County Durham, with leaders of the Jewish community at his side.

Mr Blair said: "I am privileged to light a candle for the first time in Hannukah and with it to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel.

"The festival of Hanukkah and the State of Israel embody the twin miracles of freedom - the one spiritual, the other physical.

"May this Festival of Light bring the light of freedom and peace to the Jewish people, to the State of Israel and to the entire world."

Mr Blair was the first of 36 leaders around the world, including United States President Bill Clinton, to perform similar ceremonies on Tuesday.

It involved the simple act of lighting a candle on a specially-designed Menorah, the nine-branched candelabra. The seven-branched Menorah is Israel's symbol.

Acting Israeli Ambassador Amiram Magid told Mr Blair: "The candle lighting today clearly illustrates the close bond between our two countries and we look forward to a future of continuing friendship and co-operation.

"We are proud that Britain is sharing these historic moments with international leaders, prime ministers and presidents, in all four corners of the globe."

"As we light the Hanukkah candle, we hope for a future blessed with progress and prosperity, harmony, tranquillity, friendship and, above all, peace."

At the end of the ceremony, Marisa Sakol, representing the Union of Jewish Students, presented Mr Blair with the nine-branched Menorah as a gift from the Jewish community.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©