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Foreign Secretary's Chanukkah message

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson sends his warmest wishes for the Festival of Lights

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:

Wishing all in the Jewish community in the UK and around the world a Happy Chanukkah as this festival of light and liberty starts tonight!

This Jewish festival of Chanukkah is a celebration of the triumph of the Maccabees over religious persecution. The lighting of the Menorah is a reminder that even in the darkest of times we can work together we can build a brighter future.

It must spur us to rededicate ourselves to the task of building a world where freedom is a guaranteed for all, where we work for peace and security and where we fight against prejudice.

The British and Jewish people are not only connected through shared history and values, the Jewish community has contributed to every part of British life- its success shows Britain at its best; tolerant, open and welcoming to all those who want to work hard and get on in life.

As friends and family prepare to come together to celebrate the Jewish festival of lights, I send my warmest wishes for a very happy and peaceful Chanukkah to the Jewish community in the UK and around the world. Chanukkah Sameach!

Further information

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Published 12 December 2017