Menorah lit on Guildford balcony as a symbol of pluralism and religious liberty in a town
Despite the shocking killings at Hanukkah celebrations in Australia earlier in the day it was important for those present to mark this important festival. Julia McShane, Leader of the Council, Pedro Wrobel, our Chief Executive, and Zöe Franklin, MP for Guildford joined Rabbi Alex and members of the Jewish community at Hanukkah celebration.
Rabbi Alex Goldberg who led the service in the Guildhall, said:
"Tonight, over 100 members of the Jewish community gathered in Guildford's Guildhall to celebrate Chanukah, lighting our giant menorah, which will remain illuminated throughout the eight nights of the festival. It was a public affirmation of religious freedom and the right to live, gather, and celebrate openly and without fear.
"We did so with heavy hearts. Earlier today, the horrific shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Bondi, Sydney, shocked us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were murdered, the injured, their families, and the wider Australian Jewish community. Their pain was very present with us as we kindled the lights.
"And yet, we also stood together with resilience and quiet determination. The menorah lit in Guildford stands as a symbol of pluralism and religious liberty in a town with a long and proud history of both. Chanukah itself is a festival of religious freedom - a reminder that no single belief should be imposed by force, and that the right to conscience matters. Guildford has repeatedly been a place of refuge: welcoming Jews fleeing persecution, hosting the Bohemian International Society during the war as a sanctuary for refugee artists, musicians, writers, and intellectuals, and opening its doors to children of the Kindertransport - saving lives and shaping futures.
"This evening, our Chanukiah shines in the heart of the town, blending into Guildford's Christmas celebrations and lights. Together, they send a powerful and deeply moving message: that we coexist; that we live together; and that people of all faiths -and of none - are free to mark their beliefs openly, peacefully, and with dignity."
Published on: 15 December 2025