The Mayor of London Boris Johnson will join representatives of London's Jewish community on Wednesday (December 8) when the final light is lit on the giant Menorah in Trafalgar Square as part of the capital's celebrations to mark the festival of Chanukah.

Organised by the London Menorah Council in association with the London Jewish Forum and Chabad House Hendon with support from the Mayor, business leader Gerald Ronson, who is sponsoring the event, will symbolically "flick the switch".

The Mayor said: 'Chanukah is a wonderful occasion. It embodies the universal message of the power of light over darkness, of freedom over oppression, of tolerance over tyranny. Recalling how  over 2,000 years ago the Maccabees secured the freedom of the Jewish people and the re-dedication of the Temple, it is the story of hope and faith in the future.

'In a difficult year for many people, the illuminated Menorah shines a light of optimism as we look forward and beyond the downturn.'

Other attendees will include Rabbi Gershon Overlander, Director, Chabad House Hendon and Adrian Cohen, Chair, London Jewish Forum; Rabbi Dovid Katz, Congregation Beth Abraham, Baltimore; Lord Janner, Patron of the London Menorah Council; and Rabbi Bentzi Sudak, Executive Director Chabad Lubavitch UK.

London.gov.uk