The three Ambassadors to the UK of Israel, Bahrain and the UAE came together last night for a historic Chanukah candle lighting, in an event joined by Middle East Minister James Cleverly.
The Ambassadors joined together for their first major public event as they lit the Chanukiah for the sixth night, marking the major Jewish festival. The joint appearance marks a new era of coexistence, coming just months after the three countries signed landmark peace deals.
Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, said he hoped the normalisation of relations would “lead to peace in the Middle East”. He emphasised that the UK was “proud to have been one of the first countries to welcome these agreements. We are committed to ensuring these agreements are a continued success”.
Minister Cleverly paused to remember the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it has been “particularly acute” on the Jewish community. “This year we celebrate Chanukah in circumstances unlike any before”, he said. “This is a chance to pause and remember anyone we have lost to COVID”.
The ‘Chanukah in a new light’ online event was initiated by Justin Cohen, news editor at the Jewish News, working in partnership with the Board of Deputies.
Israel’s new Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Tzipi Hotovely, spoke of the relevance of the “ancient story” of Chanukah to today: “The modern state of Israel is 72 years old and it too is a champion of freedom. Jews, Muslims and Christians can pray together, we can worship freely; we can visit the holy sites. This is something we can all celebrate”.
Describing the UK as a “dear friend”, Ambassador Hotovely went on to speak about building peace across the region: “This year we are celebrating in the light of peace. I’m deeply proud that we are building a warm peace with our Emirati and Bahraini friends and I believe our peace is inspiring even more countries to join us”.
Representing the UAE, Ambassador Abulhoul reflected: “It is a fitting end to a year when I have experienced so much warmth from my encounters with the UK Jewish community”.
He added: “Over time, I hope Chanukah celebrations will become unremarkable across the Arab world. Jewish people throughout the region should be able to mark their religious festivals as freely and joyously as the UAE’s Jewish community”.
Bahraini Ambassador Sheikh Fawaz attended the online event from the Gulf state. Speaking from the home of Houda Nonoo, Bahrain’s Jewish Ambassador to the United States, he welcomed the new era of “peace in the Middle East”.
He went on to welcome direct flights between Bahrain and Israel, and said he hoped the Accords would lead to “wide ranging people to people contact”.
Ambassador Sheikh Fawaz also spoke about restoration works at Bahrain’s synagogue, noting his hope that it will soon open to “welcome worshippers from our valued and thriving Jewish community”.
A video of the memorable event can be watched here.
