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1 year ago
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Image source, PA Media
Hundreds of people attended to mourn those who died and call for the hostages to be released
Hundreds of people have attended a vigil outside the Houses of Parliament to share their "deep sadness" at lives lost following Hamas' attack on Israel.
The Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack on 7 October killing at least 1,300 people and taking scores of hostages.
More than 2,300 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes.
Rabbi Jeremy Gordon said the mood at the London vigil was "very sombre".
Noam Sagi, whose mother Ada Sagi was taken hostage by Hamas, was among those to address the vigil.
Rabbi Gordon said the mood of the vigil was "very sombre"
Rabbi Gordon, of the New London Synagogue, said: "[There is] deep anger and deep sadness at the loss of life and also the taking of hostages.
"Some 150 people have been taken hostage."
He called for their immediate release, particularly the women and children who have been taken.
Speaking about Ms Sagi, the Rabbi said: "She is a woman aged 74, a retired headteacher - a teacher of Arabic and Hebrew.
"She spent her professional career as someone trying to build peace between Jewish and Arab populations in Israel."
More than 100 people were taken hostage by Hamas
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,Many families are unsure about the wellbeing of their loved ones who were taken
Large pro-Palestinian rallies were held in cities across the UK on Saturday.
Some at the vigil were draped in Israeli flags with others holding signs with a message to "bring them home".
"There has been no hatred," Rabbi Gordon said.
"No hatred towards Palestinians, no hatred towards Muslims, no hatred towards Arabs. Just deep sadness at the loss of life."
