First anniversary of October 7 will see community ‘come together in a united way’

Grunwald was emphatic that the main communal event on Sunday October 6 “would not be a protest or a demonstration and there is no political dimension”.

No politicians were being invited to speak at the event, said Grunwald, “but if any supportive politicians wanted to come in their own right, they would be welcome.”

Henry Grunwald KC,who is steering the commemorations to mark one year since October 7 (Photo: LinkedIn)[Missing Credit]

Grunwald said that commemorative events would run over three days, starting on Shabbat, when he hoped that individual synagogues and other organisations would hold their own commemorations.

The large communal event the next day is being organised by the Board of Deputies, the JLC, UJIA, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK, the 7/10 Human Chain Project and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

It already has the backing of a diverse range of organisations and charities, including the National Jewish Assembly, Maccabi GB and Yachad, and the JC is one of its media partners.

As well as the memorial event, there will be around 30 stalls showcasing the work of charities and organisations supporting those affected by the terrorist attacks.

On October 7, education materials will be available for Jewish schools and schools with a large number of Jewish pupils to run commemorative events.

“October 7 was a traumatic event for Jews all over the world, “ said Grunwald. “In this country, it’s becoming increasingly uncomfortable to be Jewish and say anything about October 7. The commemoration will be a time to express our grief and pain with others in Israel and the world.”

Other communities in the UK, including in Manchester, Leeds and Brighton, are expected to hold similar events.