London: Deir Yassin Remembrance Day

Abu Ashraf, centre with Fr Joe Ryan

On 9 April 1948 a massacre took place in the village of Deir Yassin, not too far from Jerusalem. This was part of the strategy used in the setting up of the new state of Israel. Many other such massacres and displacement of Palestinian people took place to facilitate the implantation of new Jewish settlers.

On Monday, 23 April 2012 at the Mosaic Rooms, Tower House, Cromwell Road in London, a reception took place to mark the 64th anniversary of this tragic event.

The guest of honour was Abu Ashraf, who is now 72 years of age and living in Israel. He survived the massacre on his home village. He was just eight years old. Mr Ashraf gave a vivid, detailed and moving account of what happened on that fatal day, 9 April 1948.

He described how he was in his home with his family. His mother was in labour and about to give birth to her baby; his two sisters and father were present when the attack took place. There was a lot of confusion and some little resistance to the military who attacked people's homes with guns, grenades and explosives. His home was destroyed, his family and friends were murdered. The young boy managed to escape from one village to another. Forty years later his own son was also killed by the Israeli Defence. In all it was a very moving and sad story. The real sadness is that 64 years later, the same tragedy is taking place.

One of the officials from the General Delegation of Palestinians in the UK, based at Hammersmith said: “there is lack of support from the UK Government to help towards any solution to the current Israeli /Palestinian question. Settlements are still being set up; Palestinians are being displaced and little hope of solutions are evading us.”

After Abu Ashraf finished his testimony, a series of candles were lit to remember those who were killed in the massacre. Each candle represented one lost life - a man, woman or child.

I must confess, I had not been aware of such a Remembrance Day and was honoured to be part of the Commemoration.

Fr Joe is parish priest at St John Vianney's Church in West Green, north London, and chairs Westmister Diocese Justice and Peace Committee.