Havering Council has come under for its decision not to light the Hanukkah candles over concerns it could spark racial tensions.
This week, the east London council said it would be “unwise” for the traditional menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday, to be installed outside Havering Town Hall in Romford.
The council said the event may risk “inflaming tensions within our communities” and will instead mark the beginning of the religious festival with a temporary installation.
The move has sparked criticism, with Danny Stone, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust saying it was a wrong and “miserable decision”.
He told ITV News: “At this time, we need communities to be celebrating together and for councils to be promoting that joy and happiness.
“It’s the wrong decision, and I hope they reconsider.”
Previously, the council rubbished accusations of antisemitism over the decision, adding that “installing the candelabra now will not be without risk to the council, our partners, staff and local residents”.
The council added: “There are some who are politicising this and making accusations of antisemitism.
“This is categorically untrue and such statements are likely to incite further unrest in our communities.
“The council flew the Israeli flag in solidarity following the heinous terrorist attack against the people of Israel and we continue to stand by our local Jewish communities.
“However, while the war is ongoing we feel we must postpone the planned installation. This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we will revisit next year when we hope community tensions will have subsided.
“Havering Council does not take sides in the current conflict and regrets the loss of life, injury and distress on both sides.
“We have informed our community and faith partners and will continue to provide support to all our communities and work with the local police to ensure that everyone feels safe in Havering.”
The decision comes ahead of further pro-Palestine protests across the capital at the weekend.
Rather than a large protest in London on Saturday, there will instead be a series of demonstrations in Camden, Newham, Redbridge, Enfield, Hackney, Hounslow, Islington, Lewisham, Southwark, Tottenham and Wimbledon. On Sunday, demonstrators will gather in Herne Hill.
Havering Council has been approached for further comment.
