On three consecutive evenings last week, the Jewish Police Association was involved in annual Chanukah events. The first, organised by the Jewish Police Association (JPA) on Tuesday 11 December went right to the top, when it was attended both by the Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe and the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom Lord Jonathan Sacks, together with Lady Elaine Sacks. The large number of guests included staff, representatives of other staff associations and community members, all of whom enjoyed seasonal Chanukah food such as doughnuts to a background of Jewish music.
A new feature of this year’s event was a children’s party, where children played the traditional game of spinning the dreidl and made their own menorahs.
The Commissioner spoke of the contribution of the Jewish community to the MPS, including current efforts by the JPA to recruit more Jewish candidates for policing roles.
The Chief Rabbi spoke about London as a safe environment for Jewish people, and how the MPS and JPA contribute towards this.
The following evening the JPA Chair, Mathew Shaer, attended 10 Downing Street to join in the Prime Minister’s Chanukah celebration.
The third event was attended by members of the JPA Executive to celebrate Chanukah with the North West London Shomrim and local MPs, Rabbis and emergency services.