Jewish and Palestinian people gather in London for peace

For almost two years, Jewish and Palestinian people have come together in central London each month to share stories, songs and hopes for peace, amid the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.

The events are organised by Standing Together, a group with roots in Israel, where supporters recently took part in demonstrations calling for the release of all hostages and an end to the war.

Daniel Randall, from UK Friends of Standing Together, said the events were about bringing people together.

An event held on Sunday came just days after two Jewish people were killed and three were left in a serious condition after a car ramming and stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester.

British Palestinian doctor Jasr Kawkby said he felt it was important to attend the event following the attack in Manchester.

“At heart, we share really the same interests” and he felt it was “really important for me to come and to speak my position as a Palestinian”.

Mr Randall said: “Part of our message is that the side we’re on is the side of people’s rights.

“We believe that all people in Israel and Palestine should be entitled to freedom, self-determination, dignity, security and peace.

“The voices that we are bringing together – we don’t see them as being from polarised sides.”

Dani, from UK Friends Standing Together, regularly attend the vigils in central London with her family.

She said she had just returned from Israel, where she met with other peace activists.

Dani, who did not want her surname used, added: “I believe in the power of people. I believe in the power of relationships and the power of grassroots groups – that is what gives me hope in Israel and Palestine.

“We know that in Northern Ireland it was grassroots groups that created an end of conflict, and it’s nice to be able to do something in a social, public space, and spread that message to people.”

Abdul Rachman has family in Gaza. He said peaceful solutions for all must be found.

“It’s not about religion or land, it’s about humanity.

“After all, all these people, all these religions, all these groups are human beings.

“Violence will never be a solution, because violence will only bring more destruction, more loss.

“So sitting together, joining together, talking together in a peaceful way – it will lead to peace after all.”