Thousands hear Israeli survivors and soldiers recount 7 October horrors on UK tour

More than 3,000 people across the UK have attended the Stories of Resilience speaking tour, organised by StandWithUs UK to mark two years since the Hamas atrocities of 7 October.

From 4-15 October, four speakers – including survivors and soldiers who witnessed the attacks first-hand – travelled to schools, synagogues and community centres in London and Birmingham, sharing accounts of bravery, loss, and hope.

The speakers were Nova music festival survivor Shir Zohar; IDF paratrooper Yonatan Haber, who responded to the Kfar Aza massacre; IDF combat officer Shani Aharon; and Fuad Ahmad, an Arab Israeli advocate for coexistence.

The tour reached more than 3,350 people through 16 events, including visits to JCoSS, Yavneh College, and Borehamwood and Elstree synagogue, as well as participation in the Stop the Hate vigil at Hendon Park. Each audience member received a red anemone bulb – a symbol of remembrance for victims of 7 October – along with a card bearing a victim’s name.

Yavneh College pupils Daisy and Tahlia said the talks highlighted “the importance of thinking of others and how one selfless action can make a difference for a lifetime.”

Ezra, a member of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, said hearing Haber’s testimony “showed how ordinary Israelis selflessly protected their communities. Testimonies like his help us understand just how significant 7 October was.”

An attendee at Mill Hill East Jewish Community said Fuad Ahmad’s perspective was vital: “We do not hear enough from parts of the Israeli population. Fuad reminded us that these communities are an essential part of Israel’s story and ours.”

Isaac Zarfati, Executive Director of StandWithUs UK, said: “Hours after the 7 October massacre, denial began. Just as there are Holocaust deniers, there are 7 October deniers. We founded the 7/10 Education Centre so that people, especially the young, can learn and listen to first-hand testimonies. Remembering is the first step in fighting disinformation.”

Yehuda Fink, Managing Director of StandWithUs UK, added: “Bringing back the Stories of Resilience tour for a second year allowed thousands to hear these vital testimonies. Amidst the hope of returning hostages and the end of a long war, it remains essential that we remember what happened and ensure no one forgets.”

StandWithUs UK said the tour aimed to strengthen understanding, unity, and empathy through personal storytelling, ensuring the lessons of 7 October continue to be heard across generations.