Progressive communities across the country have been holding a series of Havdalah vigils, services and events to stand in support of the hostages being held by Hamas and mourn those who have been murdered.

In London, our synagogues recently hosted two important cross-communal moments.

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue held a ‘Havdalah for the Hostages’ last Saturday. More than 50 people from several synagogues came together as Shabbat ended to mourn the deaths of the Ariel, Kfir and Shiri Bibas and Oded Lifshitz and to welcome the release of the six Israeli hostages who had been held captive in Gaza for between 505 days and 10+ years.

Rabbis Rachel Benjamin, Nicola Feuchtwang, Mark Goldsmith, Lea Mühlstein, Tanya Sakhnovich and Debbie Young-Somers led the ceremony. Members from all of their synagogues – EHRS, Alyth, the Ark and Mosaic – were among those attending.

Rabbi Mark said: “We heard testimony about Oded Lifshitz, his work for peace and his creation of the cactus gardens at Kibbutz Nir Oz as well as seeing a brief video of him playing his piano, the frame of which was so poignantly preserved after the destruction of his and Yocheved Lifshitz’s home by Hamas terrorists.

“We also heard testimony about Omer Shem Tov, one of the released hostages, his life and his mother’s words after his release. Following the moving ceremony almost all attending stayed for refreshments together, to talk, to hug and to support each other.”

Earlier in the month, The Ark Synagogue held a Hostage Release Vigil – hosted by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein and Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, and with an address given by Rabbi Oded Mazor. You can watch it here.

Explaining the importance of these moments, Rabbi Aaron said: “Having just returned from my fifth trip to Israel since October 7th, I can say just how much it means to our friends in Israel to know that they are not forgotten.

“The Ark has a particular relationship with the family of Karina Ariev. Meeting with her sister, Sasha, she said how vital it was that every week, Ark members were in Parliament Square holding Karina’s poster and that at every service, she was mentioned.

“Sasha’s message was unequivocal ‘We are happy that Karina is home but we cannot be fully happy until all the hostages are home.’ This is why The Ark Synagogue was honoured to host a Havdalah vigil and will continue to support them until all the hostages are home.”

Pictures:

Top: Rabbi Nicola Feuchtwang lights the Havdalah candles at Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (photo courtesy of Maurice Hoffman)

Below: The Ark Community coming together to support Karina Ariev and all the hostages