Politicians from across the political spectrum came together in Parliament last night to celebrate the festival of Chanukah, at a reception organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews together with the Speaker of the House of Commons.
More than 100 people – including representatives from across Parliament and the Jewish community – gathered in Speaker’s House for the reception.
Those present heard speeches from Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Deputy Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities Christine Jardine, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Co-lead of Progressive Judaism Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg, who compèred the event.
Introducing the event, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “After a year that has been one of the most difficult for Jews globally, many will use Chanukah to look back over the last 14 months as a reminder of the resilience and strength that the Jewish people have. And I know we are all hoping – and praying – that a miracle will happen for the about 100 hostages who are still yet to return home.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner promised the Government’s support. She said: “I want to reassure you that the Government stands with you in your fight against antisemitism. What we’ve seen in Amsterdam and in Melbourne in recent weeks reminds us of the need for vigilance, and above all, for action. We will do everything in our power to protect you and make sure that those who commit antisemitic hate crimes will feel the full force of the law. I will never allow antisemitism to go unchallenged. I welcome the Board of Deputies’ Commission on Antisemitism, and I will work with you on the recommendations.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This festival season is always such a powerful reminder of light in the darkness. The Jewish community is never alone in the darkness. As long as we are in Government, we will stand together with Jewish communities.
She added: “The Government will continue to support the CST, the police and all of you to stamp out antisemitism wherever it is found.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Each of us, as we spend Christmas or Chanukah with our families, we should remember those other families that have an empty chair at their table. And I think we should, particularly those of us in politics should commit, should recommit, to do everything we can, to strain every sinew to make sure those hostages are unconditionally released.
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities, Christine Jardine, said: “The British Jewish community brings a light to the darkness in this country, they shine a light on our communities. I think that this Chanukah we should remember that.”
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “We pray for an end to the existential threat posed against the State of Israel as we pray for the swift and safe return of every one of the hostages.”
Co-lead of Progressive Judaism Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “Many of us in the room understand the role that the Board of Deputies plays in amplifying our community’s voice and ensuring that Jewish values contribute not only to our society but to the society as a whole. Its work reminds us that the flame of our Chanukah is not a solitary light but part of a collective effort to build a brighter future.”
Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely said: “Chanukah is the time in the year when we remember our Jewish values and our spirit. I’m so proud here to stand here as the representative of the State of Israel, a country which is so proud of its values.”
Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg spoke about the challenges facing the Jewish community.: “We’re determined at the Board of Deputies that we are going to come back stronger. We’re going to fight antisemitism, stand up for peace and security in Israel the Middle East, defend our religious freedoms, make our community more united, more inclusive and more outward looking, and celebrate our faith, heritage and culture as British Jews, and that’s what we’re here to do today. And friends, parliamentarians, many who have stood with us over this really difficult period, we need your help to do it, and we’re delighted that so many of you have come here today.”