Hundreds of people gathered to watch the lighting of Hanukkah candles.

Chabad of Finchley Central, a Jewish outreach organization, hosted the outdoor celebration and menorah lighting in Victoria Park, in Ballards Lane, Finchley, last Thursday.

Rabbi Mechel Gancz, director of Chabad of Finchley Central, said: “The significance of Hanukkah today is a reconfirmation of faith and hope. Finchley’s public Menorah lighting proclaims the universal message of religious freedom and tolerance, so critical in light of today’s world situation.

“In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”