Two years ago, a day of unimaginable horror unfolded, forever altering the lives of countless individuals. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, marking the deadliest day in the nation's history. This Sunday, thousands gathered in London's Trafalgar Square to commemorate this somber anniversary, their voices united in remembrance and solidarity. But here's where it gets even more poignant: the event also honored the victims of a recent, tragic attack outside a Manchester synagogue, where candles flickered in memory of those affected.
The gathering was one of many across England, sharing the same central London location as a controversial demonstration the day before. Nearly 500 protesters were arrested during a rally in support of Palestine Action, a proscribed group, sparking debates about the boundaries of free speech and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And this is the part most people miss: while the world grapples with these divisions, families like Sharone Lifschitz’s continue to mourn. Her parents were taken hostage during the 2023 attacks, and her father, 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz, tragically died in captivity. Her mother, 85-year-old Yocheved, was released later that October. Sharone’s words resonate deeply: “We will never forget our loved ones or the horror they suffered… May today be the last time we come together as a community asking, demanding, for the war to end.”
The event featured powerful speeches, including one by Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews (BoD), who emphasized the community’s unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis added, “Today, we recall the precious lives mercilessly taken from our midst on 7 October, and we remember all subsequent atrocities since that original day.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the London vigil focused on Israeli victims, voices like Zoe Cohen’s, a member of Defend Our Juries, challenged the narrative. As a Jewish person grieving both the synagogue attack and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, she argued, “I think it’s possible for us to be compassionate and open our hearts to victims of multiple atrocities at one time.” Her statement raises a thought-provoking question: Can we mourn one tragedy without diminishing another?
Meanwhile, in Manchester, hundreds rallied despite safety concerns following the synagogue attack, waving Israeli flags and demanding the release of hostages. In Israel and worldwide, similar events are planned for Tuesday to mark the two-year anniversary of the attacks, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.
The Israeli military’s response in Gaza has been equally devastating, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting at least 67,139 deaths. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and over 90% of homes are estimated to be damaged or destroyed. Israel’s ban on independent international journalists entering Gaza since the war began has made verifying these claims challenging, leaving the world with fragmented truths.
Twenty-four months later, the conflict persists. Last week, the U.S. unveiled a 20-point peace plan, proposing an immediate end to the fighting, including the release of 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. Hamas agreed to the proposal on Friday, though details remain unclear. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism, stating he believes the hostages will be freed “very soon,” with mediators set to meet in Egypt for indirect peace talks.
As we reflect on this grim anniversary, one question lingers: Can the cycle of violence ever truly be broken? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s engage in a respectful dialogue about the path to peace.
