On a blustery autumn evening, over 500 members of the Elstree and Borehamwood community gathered in Borehamwood Shopping Park for a deeply moving candlelit vigil and Havdallah. This vigil was more than just a religious observance; it was a public stand of solidarity for Israel in the wake of an Iranian attack and as the community approaches the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas massacre that claimed the lives of 1,200 people. The gathering, held to express support for the people of Israel and the 101 hostages still held captive by Hamas, brought together individuals from all walks of life, unified in their desire for justice and peace.
A Stand of Solidarity
Among those present was Sir Oliver Dowden MP, representing Hertsmere, who gave a heartfelt speech. He called for the community to remember the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when one of Hertsmere’s own, Jake Marlowe, was among the victims of the brutal attack. His words were both somber and resolute:
“Let us never forget the 1200 people murdered in the horrific attack of October 7, including one from our own constituency, Jake Marlowe. There are 101 people still cruelly held hostage. Their captors call themselves Hamas, but we should always call them exactly what they are: terrorists. For the hostages and their families, these have been long, dark days. It is our duty, as friends of Israel and as supporters of freedom, to sustain the flame of hope. We must keep their names and stories alive, press constantly for their swift release, and pray for their safe return.”
Dowden’s powerful words resonated with many in attendance, igniting a shared commitment to keep the stories of the hostages in the public eye and to advocate for their release.
A Ceremony of Reflection and Hope
The evening continued with a soulful service led by Rabbi Yaacov Finn. His leadership through heartfelt tunes and reflections created a sense of unity amidst the gathering, offering the crowd moments of both solace and strength. Rabbi Finn spoke about the importance of coming together during times of darkness—both literal and figurative—emphasising how the community’s solidarity was itself an act of resilience.
As the evening progressed, 101 candles were lit, each flame representing one of the hostages still held by Hamas. The sight of the candles, flickering in the night, was both a powerful symbol of hope and a stark reminder of the immense human suffering still ongoing. The projection of images of these hostages on the shopping park wall was a harrowing visual, depicting babies, women, men, elderly individuals, and Holocaust survivors who were kidnapped on that fateful October day.
A Continued Call for Action
Lara Lipsey, co-founder of the Borehamwood hostage vigils, expressed the community’s unwavering commitment to justice. She reflected on the vigils held over the past year, saying, “For almost a year, we have gathered as a community, come rain or shine, to call for the release of the innocent hostages held in captivity in Gaza. They are separated from their families, suffering in dark tunnels, deprived of the basic human rights we all take for granted—fresh air, food, and dignity. As we enter a new Jewish year, a time of renewal and hope, our deepest wish is that our brothers and sisters in Israel will soon be reunited with their loved ones and be able to experience these simple, yet precious, freedoms once again.”
Lara’s words were a powerful call to action, underscoring the importance of not only raising awareness but also maintaining hope for the eventual return of the hostages.
Unity in a Time of Adversity
The vigil concluded with prayers for peace, followed by the singing of both the Israeli and British national anthems. Despite the solemn nature of the event, there was a palpable sense of unity and purpose among the community members as they left. Many vowed to continue their efforts to raise awareness and support for the hostages and to work toward lasting peace for Israel and the Middle East.
In a time of great adversity, the Elstree and Borehamwood community stood together in solidarity, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, hope and unity can light the way forward.
