London vigil marks 7 October anniversary with call for Jewish-Palestinian unity
At King’s Cross, campaigners urged “shared humanity” and condemned hate after attacks on Jews and Muslims in Britain
Around 200 people gathered at King’s Cross on Sunday for a vigil organised by Friends of Standing Together (FoST), marking two years since the 7 October Hamas attacks and calling for peace and equality for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The event formed part of the group’s monthly gatherings, held since February 2024, featuring readings, poetry, and songs by Jewish and Palestinian speakers. Participants also expressed solidarity with both communities in Britain following the killing of two men at a Manchester synagogue and a suspected hate-crime arson attack at a mosque in Peacehaven.
“We are on the side of people’s rights,” said Daniel Randall, a member of the FoST steering group. “All people in Israel and Palestine are entitled to freedom, self-determination, dignity, security, and peace. The voices we bring together – we don’t see them as being polarised sides.”
In a message read to the crowd, London Islamic Cultural Society president Bibi Khan told Jewish attendees: “Our prayers and thoughts are with our brothers and sisters of the Jewish community at this time of pain, anxiety, anger, and fear… Together we condemn hate and racism. We are each other’s strength; let us unite in the interest of our children.”
Photo credit: Jack Zabaroff
Speakers included Israelis and Palestinians reflecting on the enduring trauma of the 7 October and the war in Gaza. Tizra Waisel, an Israeli participant, said the attacks had left “a heavy stone” on the hearts of all in the region, while British-Palestinian doctor Jasr Kawkby said: “At heart, we share the same interests… The model of Standing Together, rooted in shared humanity and joint Israeli-Palestinian effort, is indispensable.”
FoST member Dani, who read a Nova Festival survivor’s testimony and a eulogy for peace activist Vivian Silver, said: “I believe in the power of people – the power of relationships and of grassroots groups. That is what gives me hope in Israel and Palestine.”
The vigil closed with music from Caryn Cohen on violin and Jonas Rosenthal on guitar, performing Gaza Singing Birds and the Hebrew prayer Oseh Shalom.
Standing Together, the grassroots movement supported by FoST, has mobilised tens of thousands of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in protests demanding a ceasefire and equality, and works “for a future of peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians”.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
