UK vigils in solidarity with Israeli victims of Hamas attack
Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies organise community gatherings across London and Manchester with speakers including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
The Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have organised two vigils to honour and remember the victims, hostages, and the injured in Israel.
The first is tonight, Monday, 9th October, 5pm at Richmond Terrace, opposite Downing Street, Whitehall.
The second is on Wednesday, 11th October, 5pm, at St Peter’s Square, outside the Central Library, Manchester.
For the safety of attendees, both the police and the Community Security Trust will be in attendance. The event will also encourage donations to UJIA’s emergency appeal which is raising money for homes in southern Israel that were directly hit and providing trauma therapy to survivors.
Speaking at the vigils will be Tom Tugendhat MP, Security Minister; Robert Jenrick MP, Minister for Immigration; the Chief Rabbi Mirvis, Rabbi Charley Baginsky from Progressive Judaism; Marie van der Zyl OBE, President of the Board of Deputies; and Keith Black, Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council.
Claudia Mendoza, CEO of the JLC said: ‘The recent events have deeply impacted our community, with many anxiously waiting for updates from their loved ones in Israel.
“Given the Jewish holidays over the weekend, some might only now be processing this distressing news. It gives me some strength that we will have a moment to come together at tonight’s vigil and again later this week in Manchester. We deeply appreciate the support from both the government and the opposition. Members of the Jewish community, as well as anyone wishing to express their condolences and solidarity, are cordially invited to join us.
“We hope for a strong show of unity as we come together as a community, uniting in this difficult moment.”
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