Mayor of London holds 1st ever menorah lighting ceremony @ City Hall

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London mayor Ken Livingstone held a special ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate Chanukah.

A nine foot tall electric menorah was lit at London's City Hall for the first time to celebrate the festival of Chanukah.

"Jewish people have made a vast contribution to freedom of religion and cultural expression in this city over many centuries," said Mr Livingstone.

"I intend this to be an annual event. I would like to wish London's Jewish communities a very happy Hanukkah."

Director of Chabad House of Hendon, Rabbi Gershon Overlander who supplied the Menorah at the request of City Hall and the Mayor's office also give a short address on the significance of the festival before the lighting.

He said: "It is very gratifying and highly appropriate that the capital of this great country which vigorously protects the religious freedom of all its citizens has chosen to erect a Menorah here in London City Hall.

"The City Hall Hanukkah Menorah now joins a long list of cities throughout the world that proudly proclaim the great lesson of religious Freedom."

After lighting the menorah the Mayor and Deputy Mayor distributed chocolate Chanukah 'gelt' to several children who attended assembled and sang Chanukah songs with Rabbi Overlander and Chabad House assistant Director Rabbi David Katz, followed by refreshments in the form of donuts and latkes.

Rabbi Overlander presented the Mayor and Deputy Mayor with silver Menorahs and said he hoped that would inspire the Mayor to spread the message of religious tolerance, light and goodness to all the citizens of London.