JLC and Board of Deputies "mourn for those killed by murderous Hamas terrorists"

Leading communal bodies thank the Prime Minister and Keir Starmer for "unequivocal support for the people of Israel" and urge community to gather at tonight's public vigils across London

The Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council have issued a joint statement in the wake of the terror attacks in Israel which have left at least 700 Israeli citizens dead, more than 2,000 injured and at least 50 kidnapped into Gaza.

“Yesterday, we awoke during Shabbat and the festival of Simchat Torah to learn that Israelis, including our friends and family, were being wounded, taken hostage, and murdered in Israel. At a time when the Jewish community should be partaking in the annual celebration of the renewal of our Torah, we are instead in mourning for those killed by murderous Hamas terrorists.

“We thank the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and all others who have shown unequivocal support for the people of Israel as they respond to this unprecedented attack. We stand with Israel as it seeks to restore security and reunite families.

“Previous conflicts have shown us that we are likely to see an increase in antisemitism here in the UK. We are in touch with the government and will be working to ensure the police support the Jewish community at this time. We urge any incidents be reported to the police and CST.

“We call on the Jewish community3 and our allies to gather tomorrow evening at Richmond Terrace (opposite Number 10 Downing St), Monday 9th October, at 5pm for a vigil in honour of the victims, hostages and wounded Israelis.”