Leaders’ festival wishes

THERESA MAY has called for the country to “take pride in the extraordinary contribution” British Jews make to national life.

In her annual Chanukah message, the Prime Minister also pledged to “redouble” efforts to fight antisemitism. Mrs May said she wanted to send her “very best wishes” to those celebrating the festival worldwide.

The festival “marks the triumph of freedom over hatred. And it calls on us all — whatever our religion or background — to defend the values and way of life that we share”.

Mrs May will not be hosting a Chanukah reception at Downing Street this year, having held a Rosh Hashanah event instead.

Adding his own Chanukah wishes, Jeremy Corbyn said the story of the festival, and the Jews’ struggle “against oppression, for religious freedom, serves as a lesson to us today. Chanukah means dedication, so let us rededicate ourselves this year to the search for a more just, peaceful and equal world.”

At the Jewish Labour Movement Chanukah party on Wednesday night, Mr Corbyn said: “The issues of racism and antisemitism are extremely serious. There is zero tolerance for antisemitism in the Labour Party.”

In his own message, Sir Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat leader, said the festival was a story of “faith and hope”.

He added the Jewish community displayed “strength and resilience” in the continued fight against antisemitism.

Messages in full at www.thejc.com/news