More than 150 people gathered in the heart of Plymouth to mark Hanukkah, as the city’s Jewish community held what is believed to be the largest civic Jewish event in modern Plymouth history.
Plymouth’s Civic Square was filled with light and solidarity on Wednesday evening as a record-breaking crowd attended the Grand Menorah lighting ceremony, marking the fourth night of Hanukkah and the public launch of Plymouth Jewish Community CIC.
Deputy Lord Mayor Chip Tofan joined Rabbi Mendy from Chabad Bristol to light the giant menorah alongside community and civic leaders, with representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police also in attendance.
Event held amid heightened security following overseas attack
The ceremony took place just days after the terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Sydney, which killed 15 people. In response, additional security measures were put in place in coordination with police to ensure the safety of those attending.
‘Out from the shadows, into the civic square’
Addressing the crowd, Tom Godwin, Director of Plymouth Jewish Community CIC, spoke about the significance of holding the event in such a prominent public space.
“There’s a key question during Hanukkah: why do we place the menorah where it can be seen? The answer is simple, to publicise the miracle. For too long, British Jewry has been reluctant to publicise our own story, to assert ourselves, to claim our space in the public square.
“Tonight, with the support of Plymouth City Council, we are truly in the centre of the civic square. Out from the shadows. Where everyone can see us. A fitting place.
He continued:
“We’re declaring that in Plymouth, in 2025, Jews will no longer be the community that stays silent, that hides its light under a bushel, that apologises for existing.
Plymouth’s Jewish history — and its future
Plymouth is home to one of the oldest synagogues in the country, dating back to 1761, but organised Jewish community life in the city has been minimal in recent decades.
Plymouth Jewish Community CIC has now secured three years of funding to establish the Civic Square menorah lighting as an annual tradition, alongside broader work focused on education, advocacy and community engagement.
“Being Jewish in Plymouth is a fact. We are here. We have always been here. We are your neighbours, your colleagues, your doctors, your teachers, your friends. We contribute to this city’s fabric every single day.
He added that true inclusion goes beyond tolerance:
“But inclusion is an act. It’s a choice. And it requires something more than tolerance, it requires active solidarity. It requires understanding.
“We’ve already begun the work. We’ve been meeting with MPs, councillors, educational establishments, healthcare providers, arts organisations, businesses, sitting down together to navigate the complexities. Not to lecture, but to build understanding. To answer questions. To create the literacy that prevents ignorance from becoming prejudice, and prejudice from becoming much worse.
“We’re building something Plymouth hasn’t seen in generations. A Jewish community that doesn’t just survive, but advocates. That doesn’t just exist, but contributes. As we say on Hanukkah: a little light dispels much darkness.”
‘A little light dispels much darkness’
The ceremony marked the first year the event has been hosted by Plymouth Jewish Community CIC, in partnership with Chabad of Bristol.
Rabbi Mendy said he felt “so blessed” to see the community come together:
“so blessed for Plymouth to get together as everyone is feeling the importance to stand together, to connect, to celebrate our identity as a community.”
Plymouth Jewish Community CIC has confirmed it welcomes anyone who identifies as Jewish, is exploring their connection to Judaism, or is an ally of the Jewish community.
The organisation is now inviting local businesses, schools, healthcare providers and community groups to get in touch to build connections and understanding.
