Board’s chief exec: Israel’s day of ‘unbearable suffering’
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BLOG – Israel at war; Hamas hostages: Day 56

Israel-Hamas ceasefire extended for 24 hours; at least 8 hostages expected to be released on Thursday

October 7, 2023, 5:52 pm Edit
Hostages released since the truce: Eitan Yahalomi with his mother and Emily Hand with her father
Hostages released since the truce: Eitan Yahalomi with his mother and Emily Hand with her father
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5:52 pm

Board’s chief exec: Israel’s day of ‘unbearable suffering’

By Lee Harpin

Board of Deputies chief executive Michael Wegier has just posted on social media:”I’m currently in Israel and here Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and Yom Tov (the Jewish festival of Sukkot) have just ended.

“It has been a deeply distressing day and our thoughts are with the families of the dead, injured and kidnapped who are dealing with unbearable suffering.

“I know that the UK Jewish community’s support for Israel in this crisis is unswerving and we utterly condemn the Hamas terrorists who have caused such awful pain.

“The Board of Deputies president will issue a formal statement tomorrow night, when Sukkot is over in the UK.

“We will be immediately liaising with other communal leaders about how our community can assist. Meanwhile we are very grateful for the strong support of the UK Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and other political leaders. Your friendship is greatly appreciated.

“We must now be alert to the possibility of a rise in antisemitic incidents here in the UK and encourage all British Jews to remain vigilant. Do not hesitate to call the police on 999 or CST if you experience or witness an incident.”