Teddy bears and empty tables mark thousands dead and hundreds missing in Israel/Gaza
Last updated 27th Oct 2023
Vigils are being held across London to raise awareness of the escalating conflict in Israel.
Empty Chairs and Empty Tables
An empty Shabbat table has been set up in London with empty chairs to represent each of the Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas.
The Friday night dinner table with the names of the 200 plus people missing has been unveiled at the Jewish Community Centre in West Hampstead.
The group also released 223 biodegradable blue and white balloons, joining groups from several other cities across the world, including Oslo, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Munich.
Raymond Simonson, Chief Executive of JW3 said: "We were drained an exhausted but coming seeing people coming in - Jews, Muslims and the Press all over the country- it is emotional but also uplifting to see.
"It shows we are not alone in these moments when we think we are alone."
The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis also attended the event.
He said that this is the Jewish community's statement "that we care" and "yearn for peace".
"We miss every single one of those captives and we send out a strong message that as long as they are in captivity, we will not rest."
He said: "Three weeks ago, the peace of Shabbat was shattered when a nation was terrorised."
"We wonder what kind of a Shabbat will they be having tonight and tomorrow."
He continued: "Most critically of all we wonder, with dread in our hearts, will they indeed come back safely home to the embrace of their families?"
A teddy for every Palestinian Child
Dozens of children laid teddy bears outside the gates of the Foreign Office to put pressure on the Government to withdraw military support for Israel.
The demonstration was organised by a group of parents who said they felt compelled to act as they watched the scenes of destruction in Gaza.
Tearful protesters accused the Government of being "complicit" in the deaths of thousands of children killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza after Hamas militants slaughtered more than 1,000 people in southern Israel.
They demanded an immediate ceasefire and called on the Government not to provide arms to Israel.
Clare Welton, 34, a mother of two, helped lead a chant of "shame" against the Government.
She said: " What we want to see is the UK end its exports to Israel now and push immediately for a ceasefire, an end to the siege and the occupation of Palestine.
"Every child everywhere deserves safety - every single life is sacred."
Annie Dowd, 40, a mother of three who helped arrange the protest, told PA: "We're a group of parents absolutely horrified by what we're seeing every day.
"We came together literally 48 hours ago and asked other parents to join us and for their children to bring teddy bears to commemorate those who are dying in Gaza with the complicity of our own Government.
"We've been absolutely overwhelmed with one and a half thousand parents getting in touch.
"As a mum, I can't stomach recent events - I can't see another Palestinian baby pulled out of the rubble."
The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.