City Hall marks Jewish festival

A Jewish menorah is to be lit at London's City Hall for the first time to celebrate the festival of Hanukkah.

London mayor Ken Livingstone will hold a special ceremony later to celebrate the eight-day Festival of Lights.

"Jewish people have made a vast contribution to freedom of religion and cultural expression in this city over many centuries," said Mr Livingstone.

"I intend this to be an annual event. I would like to wish London's Jewish communities a very happy Hanukkah."

Director of Chabad House, Hendon, Rabbi Gershon Overlander will also give a short address on the significance of the festival before the lighting.

He said: "It is very gratifying and highly appropriate that the capital of this great country which vigorously protects the religious freedom of all its citizens has chosen to erect a Menorah here in London City Hall.

"The City Hall Hanukkah Menorah now joins a long list of cities throughout the world that proudly proclaim the great lesson of religious Freedom."