The vigil that began with children’s boots and teddy bears
With the release of the last hostage comes a poignant message from one of the founders of the Friday vigil in Borehamwood
Vigil number one started with shoes. Adult shoes but, heartbreakingly, children’s boots, in echoes of the Holocaust. 1,200 murdered and 251 kidnapped by a death cult on 7 October 2023.
In shock, we stood here, drenched in autumn drizzle, in a shopping park, somehow hoping the world would wake up to our trauma.
But nothing.
Week two we tried teddy bears. I remember tying cable ties around teddy bear hands and blindfolded the bear for added impact. But still the world did not stir.
In fact, before Israel had fired a shot, the Jew-hate marches in London and around the world had begun. The Israeli flag on our very own council building was daubed with red paint. And we were under attack for being massacred. Our world had turned upside down.
The following week we lined up empty buggies. It felt like screaming into the void. And then vigil seven. A breakthrough. A week where we were proudly joined by the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (who has been with us from the start, I should add) and then deputy prime minister and our MP, Sir Oliver Dowden, who proclaimed that the government stood ‘four square’ behind Israel.
Film crews descended on our town and footage was beamed around the world. It felt like we had done a thing.
Over the next two years our weekly speakers – so many of you, researched the lives of one hostage and connected with the families in Israel (thanks to Nivi). Friendships blossomed. And, at the same time, somehow consoling and fortifying each other in the darkness where it felt the war would never end.
We hosted hostage families here and they were shocked in a good way when they heard us openly singing The Hatikvah in public, seeing faces of their loved ones held high.
We marked the birthdays of Kfir and Ariel Bibas with orange balloons and birthday cake, praying the kids would come home alive.After Shosh discovered that hostage Romi Gonen loves Leopard print, Amazon almost sold out of leopard print clothing as we wore the print every week and and sent the photos to Romi’s mum.
The CEO of the United Synagogue came back from a trip to Israel. She was asked where she was from. After saying the UK, she was asked: Do you know a place called Borehamwood as they do a weekly hostage vigil there? It made her smile.
We wore pink for hostage Inbar Hyman, as we remembered her vibrant life. You provided a moment of comfort to the families as they saw the videos of us speaking about their loved ones.
And we celebrated and honoured each hostage who was rescued and released.
Friends. They know of our vigil in Israel. Why? Because we tell them all about us. Not sure about you, but I show every Israeli I meet photos on my phone and they are blown away.
True story. The CEO of the United Synagogue, Jo Grose, came back from a trip to Israel after visiting the Israel National Library. She told me she was was asked by the lead curator, where she was from. After saying the UK, she was asked: Do you know a place called Borehamwood as they do a weekly hostage vigil there? It made her smile.
And despite the weather here today, it makes me warm inside knowing we have put our little town on the global Jewish zionist map.
Friends. We bore witness to survivors of 7 October with THEM showing us how to live after seeing death. We also honoured the fallen – 962 brave IDF soldiers – our brothers and sisters, heroes of Israel who died defending us all.
These are our people. Laying down their lives for our future. And those Brits whose families we have got to know – IDF fallen heroes Natanel Young and Benji Needham – sharing tears and hugs with their families.
We’ve learned through Dr Marc Wittenberg and his kids the stories of fallen IDF soldiers organs being donated to others in need… they protected lives in life and saved lives after their death. Truly remarkable.
And our very own Jake Marlowe, a hero of Israel, who was murdered rescuing festival-goers at Nova. Lisa and Michael- no offense, I wish never have needed to meet you. But we are lucky and honoured to have forged beautiful friendships with you.
Not only have we got to know you (which has obviously been a pleasure – michael rewards us with coffee every week) but we have got to know your beautiful boy Jakey. My God, Lisa and Michael, I wish we could have met him – but, thanks to you, we have got to know Jakey and it an absolute honour to carry his memory.
And the three Israeli guides dogs we raised money for here, named Jake, Marlowe and Woody after our Borehamwood vigil will continue your legacy of love. We’ve also been inspired by a host of incredible activists who have encouraged us to stand taller.
From social media creator, Lee Kern to one-man investigative journalist dynamo David Collier.
All denominations of Judaism have spoken here – modern Orthodox, Reform, Progressive and just plain old unaffiliated Jews – a space open and inclusive to all.
We have created bonds of connection with other Jewish communities who are on the front line – notably Adam Ma’anit and Heidi Bracham and the Brighton and Hovian Heroes on the coast who, as Adam beautifully said, used the cracks to let the light in.
And my long lost cousin Cynthia who has been standing on windswept beaches in Cornwall with Christian friends every single week in relentless pursuit of justice for our people. And Golders Green vigil, Hendon United, Belmont as so many more.
There may have been 119 vigils but we also gathered for numerous candlelit hostage havdalahs, giant yellow ribbon stunts in red road and could forget over 1000 of you came together in meadow park to mark 7th Oct 2024. Crazy times indeed.
We’ve been honoured to welcome former ambassadors of Israel, eminent Rabbis, our wonderful local councilors and mayor as well as peers of the realm – with the Lord Pollack a constant supporter here, whilst representing the Jewish people in the House of Lords with speeches which lifted our souls.
But we have not been content with focusing only inward. We have connected with people of all religions and cultures. And even a few weeks ago, we stood in solidarity with the Iranian people.
From Christian Arab – Yosef Hadad, to Muslim peace activist Loay Sharif to powerful allies Reverend Hayley Ace and Reverend Tim Guttman, The wonderful sisters of Mary, Thekla and Glory, Christian vigil regulars David Mckee and Olive and the visit of Bishop of Hertford – Jayne Mainwaring -the connections we have forged especially with our regular Christian friends with stay with us forever.
I sat in the Imperial War Museum this week in a Holocaust memorial day ceremony thinking who today would stand up against evil if we were faced with it? Look no further than our Christian friends here. YOU are the righteous people of our generation who defiantly stood with us when the world stayed silent, or worse still turned its back.
Friends. All these weeks reinforced and elevated our love for Israel where britain is our home – Israel is our homeland. Where, on October 7, we saw a vision of what the world would look like without an Israel. And realised what a blessing we have and a miracle we have witnessed. That after 2000 years of yearning for a homecoming, we have a strong and vibrant state,which has our back as we have hers.
I have also learnt a few things over the last 119 vigils. None of you lot keep to time – four minutes is never four minutes . When the speaker breaks, you love a huddle and when it rains, snows or is minus five, somehow more of you turn up than ever.
Which brings me to you… you beautiful people. I have seen a metamorphosis in British Jews since 7 October. From keep your head down as this too shall pass, to mighty warriors on our own front line.
Instead of asking others to step in, you have just risen up – identifying the need and just getting stuff done.From knitting hats for the IDF in the snowcapped mountains of the Golan,to sending blood patches and medical equipment to units in need.
You put up banners, ribbons and posters up which would immediately be ripped down, Thousands of small deeds. Some we know – most under the radar. Making a huge collective impact.
A special mention to meshugah runner, John White who even took Borehamwood vigil on tour – running over 150 marathons for the hostages.
From seeing all of this, I’d suggest a warrior diaspora gene has been reactivated. You are lions of Israel who, when the time came, stood up for our people.
To steal Lord Sebastian Coe’s line from the closing of the 2012 Olympics. When the time came, you did it right. Bring them home for us was not slogan – it was a promise. Until the last hostage was not a hashtag – it was an oath.
When the world forgot about our people, you put your arms around them.And let our brothers and sisters know that we felt their pain, as it was our pain.
Am echad, be’ev echad, one people with one beating heart. By being here, you have written a heroic chapter of Jewish history. But I do know that thanks to you, in times of darkness, this circle of trust outside the former WHSmith radiated positivity and strength and goodness around the world.
And I have never been prouder of what we did. How we did it.and who we have become. In the merit of Jake Marlowe and the shining example of positivity and kindness set to us by Lisa and Michael Marlowe may we merit to have the fortitude to continue fighting for our people, honouring those who gave so much, and in our time witnessing peace for our people and the world.
As President Herzog said, through Ran Givili’s path, we must rise to the next chapter of our existence as a people.And that’s exactly what you have been doing here. Thanks to you, Am Yisrael is very Chai. Am Yisrael Chai.
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.
