Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Johnson both wished the Jewish community a Happy Chanukah this week, and emphasised their commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and ensuring security.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “As Jewish families around the world gather to light the first candle on their Chanukiah, I want to wish everyone celebrating this festival of light a very happy and peaceful Chanukah”.
“As we confront the horrors of growing anti-Semitism and the appalling hate fuelled terrorist attacks that we have seen across Europe, so the themes of freedom and liberty at the heart of the Chanukah story remain as relevant as ever”.
She vowed: “For as long as I am Prime Minister I want you to know that I will stand alongside you and passionately defend your right to practice your faith, free from question or fear. I will do everything I can to keep you and your families safe and to fight the divisive prejudice and extremist ideology that lies at the heart of anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred. And I will celebrate proudly the extraordinary contribution that our Jewish communities make to our country, for as I have said before, Britain would simply not be Britain without its Jews”.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson underlined in his message: “The UK continues to stand with the State of Israel, and I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Jewish communities in the pursuit of peace and security across the world”.
He stated: “The UK will pursue the fight against antisemitism, and we remain committed to defeating it wherever it is found. I am clear that there is no such place for hatred in our society”.
The full Chanukah messages can be found here.
