A menorah will be placed outside of City Hall this week as the island’s Jewish community celebrates the start of Chanukah.

A spokeswoman for the city said that it had been approached by Chabad Bermuda and the Jewish Community of Bermuda to place the menorah in Freedom Square, with a lighting ceremony to take place tomorrow to mark the first day of Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah.

“This decision reflects the City’s commitment to freedom of expression and the inclusive values embodied by Freedom Square,” the spokeswoman said.

“The vision for Freedom Square has always been to provide a space where individuals from all walks of life can reflect on and celebrate freedoms already won and those still to come, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.

“The menorah, standing alongside other seasonal symbols such as the city’s Christmas tree, serves as a reflection of these shared values.”

The menorah, which is equipped with battery-powered lights, will stand about 12ft tall and is scheduled remain on display throughout Hanukkah.

The spokeswoman said that the decision to approve the menorah was not “a political statement nor condoning one”, but was intended to be a reflection of the City’s “dedication to inclusivity and the celebration of Bermuda’s diverse cultural and religious traditions”.

She added: “By hosting the menorah outside City Hall, the City of Hamilton reaffirms its role as a welcoming and reflective space for the many communities it serves.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said: “This request was thoughtfully debated at the Board level, recognising that it is an emotive issue, particularly given the ongoing secular conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

“However, declining this request would contradict the principles of freedom of expression that Freedom Square represents.

“We already display what is widely seen as a religious symbol in the Christmas tree, so what right do we have to exclude others from the freedom of celebrating their own faith.

“Upholding freedom is most meaningful when it’s extended despite fear of controversy and with respect for all.”

Mr Gosling added that he believed the request was the first of its kind.

“It serves as a timely reminder to us all that freedom grows when it is shared,” he said.

“By opening this space for others to celebrate their beliefs and traditions, we not only uphold the principles of inclusivity but also affirm our commitment to fairness, respect, and the values that bring us together as a community.”

Chanukah is a Jewish festival which is celebrated over eight days and nights with the ceremonial lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabra.

The festival begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which falls between late November and late December in the Gregorian calendar.