Thousands gather in London to mark two years since 7 October attacks

"PA Media Thousands of people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday to mark the two years since Hamas's attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 - the deadliest in Israel's history. Candles were also lit for those affected by a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday. The event - one of many taking place across England today - shared the same central London location as Saturday's demonstrations in support of proscribed group Palestine Action, at which nearly 500 protesters were arrested."

"Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents were taken hostage from their home in the attacks, told the crowd it was almost two years "since our lives were torn apart". Her father, 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz, died in Hamas captivity. Her mother, 85-year-old Yocheved, was released in late October 2023. She said: "We will never forget our loved ones or the horror they suffered and our heart is also with the community in mourning for the recent hate crimes and murders in Manchester.""

Thousands gathered in London's Trafalgar Square and other UK locations to mark two years since Hamas's attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. Candles were lit for victims of a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester. The commemoration shared the same central London location as Saturday's demonstrations in support of Palestine Action, which led to nearly 500 arrests. Speakers included Phil Rosenberg of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvi, who recalled lives lost and vowed to confront antisemitism. Hostage survivor Sharone Lifschitz described family losses and called for the war to end. Hundreds also joined a rally in Manchester despite safety concerns.

Read at www.bbc.com