‘City of tolerance and diversity’ to mark a wider range of festivities

As a first step in this, the council will display a Menorah on City Hall next week (w/c 11 December), marking Chanukah for the first time.  Officers are also exploring how the council should mark Eid and Diwalhi, amongst other festivals.

Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said:

“Since early this year, council officers have worked with Norwich’s Jewish community to mark Chanukah festivities at City Hall.

“Norwich has long been a city of tolerance and diversity. In building a city where everyone is safe and welcome, it is our intention going forward to mark all of the major religious festivals in Norwich and I have instructed officers to develop a strategy for the council to reflect the key faith festivals across our communities, including Eid and Diwali. 

“Next week we will join our Jewish community in celebrating Chanukah with a display of a Menorah at City Hall for the first time.

“Too often politics focuses on what divides us. But what unites us – building a better city and a better world – relies on tolerance. I trust councillors and residents will see a Menorah, alongside a Christmas tree, and the celebration of other festivals to come, in that light.

“I know Norwich residents feel passionately about the need to end violence in the middle east. I strongly believe all civilians – Israeli and Palestinian – must be protected. The death of innocent civilians must stop and international law be upheld. 

“I want a complete and permanent end to violence in Israel and Palestine. In the longer term, it remains essential that there is a path to a two-state solution with a free and secure Israel and a free and secure Palestine.

“Here in Norwich, the Council can play an important role in fostering good relations between all faiths and all communities, ensuring we remain an inclusive, respectful, tolerant, and accepting place for everyone.”