Thousands of Jewish people have come together in London and Manchester to mourn the two men who were killed in the Yom Kippur terror attack.
Leading Jewish figures gave defiant speeches in Trafalgar Square before the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, where they warned they face their biggest threat in a generation.
Around 3,000 people gathered in the same spot where 24 hours earlier 500 people were arrested at a pro-Palestine protests.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people joined a rally in Manchester, despite safety concerns in the wake of the terror attack on a synagogue in the city on Thursday.
The gathering, organised by North West Friends of Israel, saw people wave Israel flags and some held banners calling for the release of the hostages.
Police and security guards from the Community Security Trust charity monitored the event, which also commemorated 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, 66, who died at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Three men are still in hospital after the car and knife attack.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, who was on bail for an alleged rape, was shot dead by police on Thursday as he targeted the place of worship on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
It is believed Mr Daulby was shot dead by police while trying to stop Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue during the attack.
Mr Cravitz, from Crumpsall, died helping prevent the attacker from entering the premises.
Adam Ma’anit, cousin of Tsachi Idan who died while being held by Hamas, said Britain was ‘obviously not a safe country for Jewish people’.
The Brighton resident said: ‘My particular concern is that I think not enough is being done on prescription and enforcement of prescription.
‘We are seeing NHS doctor blatantly violate the terrorism act, seemingly with impunity… it’s about time that the institutions of the United Kingdom take their responsibilities more seriously.’
He also slammed pro-Palestine protestors who took to the streets on Thursday evening, hours after the Manchester attack and again on Saturday.
He added: ‘It is sickening and it’s distasteful. The fact that we had to beg for them to desist and they refused means that they really have no regard for the feelings of the Jewish community.
‘The people who are supporting [Palestine Action] whether misguided or not are adding more darkness to an already febrile atmosphere.’
Mr Ma’anit also criticised the government for its recent decision to recognise Palestine as a state.
‘I think it’s important that the government also understands that it missed a really golden opportunity to use whatever minimal leverage the UK government has over this situation to impose conditions on Hamas’.
‘[Hamas] talked about it as the fruits of October 7th; if they’re talking about it as a victory, if they’re praising the government’s decision, we’ve done something massively wrong. I urge the government to course correct.’
Today’s event has been in stark contrast to yesterday at the same location, where hundreds were arrested for supporting banned terrorist group Palestine Action.
Phil Rosenberg, president of Board of Deputies of British Jews, told the rally in London: ‘In the face of loss, our community remains steadfast, determined to defend Israel’s right to exist in security and peace, and determined to confront antisemitism wherever it appears.
‘That includes the despicable Palestine Action protests we’ve seen over these last days, almost gloating over Yom Kippur attack, these are unacceptable and we demand change.’
In total, 490 were arrested at the demo, despite police leaders and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling for it to be cancelled.
The BoD has called for those arrested under the Terrorism Act at Saturday’s protests to be investigated for stirring up racial hatred.
A video speech from British hostage survivor Emily Damari was played to the crowd. The 28-year-old spent 471 days in captivity.
She said: ‘When I was in Gaza, I sometimes saw clips of anti-Israel marches and protests in universities like Colombia. It was very hard to watch while I was being held hostage.
‘It was if the world was forgetting about us. But I also remember seeing Jewish communities and many other faiths and religions coming together… I knew I wasn’t alone, I knew you were all with me last year.
‘All I ask of you is to make sure you use your voice. This is not the time to be quiet.’
Britain’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said it was important to remember the hostages still in captivity.
He said: ‘Today we remember the suffering of so many precious hostages. 48 of whom are still in captivity and we will not rest until each and every one of them, please God, will soon come home.
‘Today we remember our very good friends, some of whom are standing alongside us right here in Trafalgar Square.
‘We receive so much inspiration from your friendship, from your support. The Jewish people knows that we are now not alone. Thank you for being with us during these trying times.’
Keith Black, Chair of Jewish Leadership Council, said: ‘Today was a very poignant and sad day for the Jewish community. Our hearts are heartbroken but with a sense of resilience and optimism, as the Jewish people have done throughout the millennia. We will come through this process.
‘This is the first time in hundreds of years that Jews have been killed for being Jews [in the UK]. At the moment, the level of anti-Jewish hatred stalking our communities is on the our streets and our campuses… that is a threat to us.’
Many families attended the event, such as Martin Pattinson, 45, who attended with his wife Lauren, 38, and their three children.
The solicitor, of Kentish Town, said: ‘There was part of me which didn’t want to come today out of fear. But we cannot let terrorism win.
‘This is for the hostages still in captivity and those impacted by the Manchester attack.
‘We feel under threat as a group.’
