Hundreds of people turned out in the centre of Manchester this evening to attend a vigil in support of the people of Israel following the weekend’s Terrie attacks across the country by Hamas
Addressing the crowds outside the Central Library in St Peter’s Square Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham said “We stand in solidarity with our Jewish community and communities in Israel,”
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis addressing the people of Israel told the crowd “Your fate is our fate. Your destiny is our destiny. We are crying with you and praying for you!”
He added that any loss of innocent life was a tragedy’ telling the crowd “Israel would prevail and he prayed for peace’
Among the crowd were friends of Gili Adar, a 24 year old scout murdered at the music festival in Israel, who’s funeral has just taken place
Rabbi Daniel Walker said the Jewish community was feeling “vulnerable” and “in pain” for the suffering of people in Israel.
He said the vigil “expressed simple sorrow and solidarity” after the “terrible atrocities which went beyond the pale”.
Peak District MP Robert Largan said “we must not give an inch to the genocidal monsters or the apologists in this country”.
The powerful notes of “HaTikvah”, Israel’s National anthem, resounded carrying a message of hope and unity as the vigil ended
Stephen Watson, Chief Constable said
“Last night’s vigil to honour and remember the victims of the deeply distressing and abhorrent Hamas terrorist attack on Israel passed off peacefully, and without significant incident. I thank our communities for their proactive and calm approach to standing together in solidarity and thank my officers for delivering a professional policing operation.
“There is no place for antisemitic hate crime in Greater Manchester and GMP understands the traumatic impact it can have on victims and communities, particularly at times like this – when they feel most vulnerable. GMP is committed to safeguarding people and property and taking robust action against offenders. The force has committed, and will continue to commit, significant and focused resources to giving reassuring effect to its intentions.
