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‘Stand proud and speak out’ says Dame Maureen Lipman

The award-winning actress was at Mill Hill Synagogue’s Yom Hazikaron ceremony

May 1, 2025 16:37
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Dame Maureen Lipman lights a candle at Mill Hill Synagogue's Yom Hazikaron ceremony (Photo: Jerome Reback)
1 min read

Actress and JC columnist Dame Maureen Lipman has urged the community to “stand proud” following October 7 and the surge in antisemitism in the UK since then.

Addressing over 400 people at a Yom Hazikaron ceremony at Mill Hill Synagogue, the award-winning performer, who frequently publicly campaigns for the hostages in Gaza, said: “The community needs to stand proud and speak out, especially after the tragedy of 7 October and the subsequent outburst of antisemitism that has arisen, whilst Israel has to take steps to defend itself and protect its very existence.”

Sergeant Major Aaron Bours, a lone soldier from the United States, shared his story of joining the IDF after October 7, surviving a sniper’s bullet in Gaza and recovering through months of intensive rehabilitation.

First Sergeant Major Aaron Bours (Photo: Jerome Reback)First Sergeant Major Aaron Bours (Photo: Jerome Reback)[Missing Credit]

Rabbi Michael Laitner, director of education at the United Synagogue, and Rabbi David Rose of Mill Hill Synagogue led prayers, and there was a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

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