The lighting celebration at Islington Green held on Sunday

A MENORAH has been vandalised just four days after a festival was held to celebrate its lighting. The menorah on Islington Green had been put up with fencing around it which has been knocked over.

The menorah itself had been knocked down with the branches that hold the candles detached from the rest of it.

Islington Council say they are treating it as an anti-Semitic hate crime.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, leader of Islington Council, said: “We are utterly appalled at the attack on the menorah lights at Islington Green today.

“The festival of Chanukah is a celebration of light and joy.

“This horrific anti-Semitic attack is completely unacceptable and doesn’t reflect the Islington we know and love.

“Hate crime has no place in Islington and we will work with the Metropolitan Police to find the culprit of this attack.

“Islington will not be cowed by hate crime and we will make sure replacement menorah lights are in place for the remainder of Chanukah to make sure our community can continue to celebrate.”

Several hundred people gathered at Islington Green on Sunday to celebrate the lighting of the menorah.

Live music was played and free doughnuts, potato latkes, hot chocolate and tea were handed out by volunteers, while children made Chanukah crafts.

The crowd were given glow sticks and sang traditional Chanukah songs, as well as a special holiday remake of Sweet Caroline, Sweet Chanukah.

Barriers protecting the menorah were knocked over during the attack

Prayers for peace in the world were also said. Rabbi Mendy Korer of Chabad Islington, who organised the event and led the ceremony, said: “This year is particularly poignant for the community to be able to come out and celebrate Chanukah proudly, feel welcomed and safe in Islington. It’s been a horrid past couple months for so many. Islington is giving you a big hug, we love you, this is your home.”

The menorah was re-lit on Thursday evening and will remain there for the rest of the holiday.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating damage to a menorah in Islington, after a report was made to police yesterday (Thursday December 14).

“The menorah had been placed on Islington Green, Upper Street, and it is believed it was deliberately damaged. Enquiries are taking place and neighbour­hood officers are in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 2415/14DEC23.”