Jewish vigil for all killed in Israel - Palestine since 7 October

On a chilly night on Monday, 6th November, more than 150 people gathered on a small triangle of public open space between the tracks of London Overground and nearby Camden Market, London. The vigil was organised by Na'amod to remember all those who were killed on October 7th and the weeks since across Israel - Palestine.

Na'amod is a growing movement of Jews in the UK seeking to end support for the occupation, and to campaign for freedom and democracy for all Palestinians and Israelis. Na'amod means 'We will stand' in Hebrew and references the word used to call Jews to read from the Torah in synagogue: ya'amod/ta'amod (he/she will stand). It reflects their commitment to stand up for what they know to be right and to stand alongside Palestinians. The organisation was founded in 2018 and is now has more than 300 members.

During ninety minutes personal and moving testimonies were read out by friends and relations of those killed in Israel and Gaza. More than half of the testimonies were about friends killed in Gaza. Friendships between individual Israelis and Palestinians that had been cultivated over many years with the hope of creating a peaceful and just settlement in this area of conflict.

One very moving testimony was from a young woman who had lost friends who were killed by Hamas on 7th October. Through her tears, she said she was proud that her personal companions in Israel had not demanded vengeance after this tragic event. She also mentioned that while receiving text messages from her friends on that awful day, there was surprise and confusion that agents of the Israeli State, - police, army and authorities - were slow to show up.

Prayers were recited and adaptations of psalms and secular songs (including an anti-apartheid number) were sung. The mood was respectful and compassionate with not a single flag on display. The majority of those present were under 40 years of age and those I spoke to came from a Jewish heritage.

The vigil ended with the lighting of candles for those who had recently died and a call for a ceasefire.

LINK

Na'amod: https://naamod.org.uk/