Standing Together London peace vigil brings communities into the open
The Standing Together London peace vigil drew Jewish and Palestinian Londoners to a central London square at the weekend, part of a monthly effort to share stories, sing and speak about a route to peace. Organisers say the gathering has become a regular space for people who want dialogue despite events in Israel and Palestine.
The meeting came days after two Jewish men were killed and three others seriously injured outside a synagogue in Manchester. Attendees said the London vigil felt more necessary in the wake of that attack.
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Daniel Randall, from UK Friends of Standing Together, said the aim was simple.
“These events are about bringing people together,” he said. “The side we are on is the side of people’s rights.”
British Palestinian doctor Jasr Kawkby said he chose to attend after the Manchester incident. “At heart, we share the same interests,” he said. “It was important for me to speak my position as a Palestinian.”
Dani, who attends regularly with her family, had just returned from Israel where she met other peace activists. “I believe in the power of people and relationships,” she said. “Grassroots groups can move things. Northern Ireland showed us that.”
Abdul Rachman, who has family in Gaza, said the message was universal. “It is not about religion or land. It is about humanity,” he said. “Violence will never be a solution. Sitting together and talking together is the way that leads to peace.”
Supporters say the London vigil is part of a network that links UK groups with activists in Israel and Palestine. Details of meetings and local chapters are listed here.
Organisers plan to keep the Standing Together London peace vigil monthly, and invited first-timers to join, listen or speak. They say the Standing Together London peace vigil is built on a simple idea: show up, stand next to one another and keep talking.
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