Vigil for the Hostages, Whitehall

To Whitehall, Richmond Terrace opposite Downing Street.

I got an e-mail this morning from Magen David Adom (I bought one of their toy ambulances on impulse way back when and I’m glad I did; I get such interesting newsletters from them and a chance to contribute from time to time) telling me of a Vigil for the Hostages later today.  Organised by Magen David Adom UK in partnership with JLC, Board of Deputies of British Jews, Hostages and Missing Families Forum, UJIA and Israel Embassy.

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Sadly I was late, so missed the first-hand account from an MDA paramedic who was on the frontlines on 7/10. I was in time to hear Michael, father of Jacob murdered at one of the kibbutzes who spoke movingly of the death of his son and friends.

Another speaker was Rabbi Revd Jonathan who prayed for everyone suffering including the innocent Gazans.

Send good thoughts from your hearts…may good thoughts reach their hearts. May our prayers and thought reach the families . . . down the deepest tunnels to those who hang on in there.

May they return home now

May they return home in Peace.

A young woman sang a song – Bring Them Home.

The usual pillock on a push bike pedalled past furiously shouting “Free Palestine” but with no time to stop.

The names of the hostages were read out by a team of young people taking a page of names each.  That reminded me of our visit to the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem.

The Vigil ended as is now customary with the Israeli and the British national anthems.

…Security was provided by very courteous and alert members of the CST and the police.

BRING THEM HOME

Photographs E Weatherwax London April 2024