Hundreds of people gathered outside the Houses of Parliament in London to mourn the loss of life following Hamas’ attack on Israel. The Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack on 7 October, killing at least 1,300 people and taking scores of hostages. Since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, more than 2,300 people have been killed in Gaza.
Rabbi Jeremy Gordon described the mood at the London vigil as “very sombre”. Noam Sagi, whose mother Ada Sagi was taken hostage by Hamas, was among those who addressed the vigil. Rabbi Gordon said there was “deep anger and deep sadness at the loss of life and also the taking of hostages.” “Some 150 people have been taken hostage,” he said, calling for their immediate release, in particular, women and children.
The Rabbi said of Ms Sagi, “She is a woman aged 74, a retired headteacher – a teacher of Arabic and Hebrew. She spent her professional career as someone trying to build peace between Jewish and Arab populations in Israel.” Meanwhile, many families are unsure about the welfare of their loved ones who were taken.
Large pro-Palestinian rallies were held in cities across the UK, with some of the vigil attendees draped in Israeli flags and holding signs that read “bring them home”. “There has been no hatred,” said Rabbi Gordon. “No hatred towards Palestinians, no hatred towards Muslims, no hatred towards Arabs. Just deep sadness at the loss of life.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More