The Home Office, the United Kingdom government’s interior ministry, was mocked widely for a social-media post for Yom Kippur that mixed up Jewish symbols.
“Wishing the Jewish community in the UK and beyond a blessed Yom Kippur,” the government stated.
It appended an illustration of a seven-branched candelabrum, which is associated with the Jewish Temples and Chanukah holiday, with a wine goblet, and apples and honey, even though Yom Kippur is a fast day.
“This is the equivalent of posting a pic of a Christmas tree and saying ho, ho, happy Easter,” wrote Canadian parliamentarian Michelle Rempel Garner. “Do better.”
“Basically, it’s like wishing a Christian a ‘merry Christmas,’ but instead of a Christmas tree and Santa Claus, there’s only Easter eggs and bunny rabbits,” another social media user said. “And the eggs are ostrich eggs for whatever reason.”
G’mar Chatimah Tovah ✡️
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) October 2, 2025
Wishing the Jewish community in the UK and beyond a blessed Yom Kippur. pic.twitter.com/HSR4xPu4AB
