Peace vigil held in Oxford a year on from the Oct 7th Hamas attacks on Israel

The event in Bonn Square last night says it was an act of solidarity with all who suffer from conflict and war in the Middle East.

Image of Bonn Square where the vigil was held
Author: Andrea FoxPublished 7th Oct 2024

A local faith group says Oxfordshire is helping show the way in calling for peace a year on from Hamas attacks in Israel and the unrest which has followed in the Middle East.

Last night a vigil marking a year since the anniversary of the October 7th events was attended by different faith communities at Oxford's Bonn Square along with civic leaders and dignitaries

Dr Ruviz Sinclair from the Oxfordshire Jewish congregation tells us the event was well attended and sent a strong message:

"However terrible that the conflict in the Middle East is, the worst thing to happen would be to export any tensions here. It would harm community relations undoubtedly. With this in mind, I would like to say that I am very grateful for attendees from different faith groups at events such as this, calling for a resolution and calling for peace.

"I think that here in Oxfordshire it is setting a good example and sends a strong voice.

"At this stage, one year on from the attacks and the ongoing situation which has developed and intensified, I think international attention should focus on a resolution.

"To some extent looking back at what we could've done isn't helpful. If we are getting things resolved though, it requires security for Israelis, and also a rebuilding of Gaza and life and dignity for Palestinians."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.