Twenty Israeli hostages and around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been freed amid scenes of jubilation, relief and shock, while bodies of hostages who died in Gaza are being returned slowly. President Trump said the day heralded a “historic dawn in a new Middle East”, but the 20-point peace plan needs detailed negotiations to survive.
Board of Deputies: ‘immense relief and profound joy’ at hostages release
The Board of Deputies President, Phil Rosenberg, said “We welcome with immense relief the release of hostages from Gaza and share in the profound joy felt by their families, friends, and all who have worked for their safe return. We also grieve with those who are now receiving the bodies of their loved ones for burial. May their memory be a blessing.” Thanking President Trump and all who secured the hostages release, and welcoming surge of aid into Gaza, he said the overwhelming desire of the British Jewish community is for a lasting peace. “In the UK, this moment must also prompt reflection. The profound damage to community cohesion and the massive increase in antisemitism since 7 October 2023, culminating in the deadly terrorist attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur, require a concerted response. We will continue our efforts to ensure action against anyone who incites violence and hatred. We also need to see a renewed focus on building community cohesion and mutual respect. We have all had enough of war. Now is the time for peace.
‘Trump should share Nobel peace prize with hostages’ families’
Lawyers for the seven British-linked hostage families say if Donald Trump wins the Nobel Peace Prize, it should be shared with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Writing in Jewish News, Adam Wagner KC of Doughty Street Chambers and Adam Rose of Mishcon de Reya said they were proud to act pro bono for the families, praising their “advocacy, fortitude and moral clarity”. The Forum, founded days after 7 October, united relatives of all 251 hostages. The British families, they said, “advocated beautifully together” and supported one another. The lawyers credited Lord Cameron’s creation of the Foreign Office Gaza Hostages Team as a “game-changer”, giving access to ministers, Qatari negotiators and consular support. They confirmed Britain worked closely with the US on post-war plans, led by Jonathan Powell. And they concluded: “The seven British families have moved heaven and earth to save their relatives and all of the other hostages, and it has been our honour and privilege to stand alongside them.”
Chief Rabbi: ‘A day of great salvation’
The Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, issued a statement: “This is an extraordinary day in Jewish history for which we give thanks to Hashem. It is a true Hoshana Rabba – a day of great salvation. For two agonising years, we have cried tears of pain and anguish. Today, finally, we cry tears of relief and joy. While we still wait for all deceased hostages to return for a dignified burial, Baruch Hashem that we have been able to witness the remarkable scenes of families embracing the remaining living hostages. However, we also remain mindful of the numerous families who will never have that opportunity. The path to a safer and more peaceful future has been paved by the sacrifices of so many. To these families we say: Today, your global family embraces you.”
Progressive Judaism: ‘The end of captivity, but the beginning of compassion’
The Movement for Reform Judaism joined with Liberal Judaism in a statement: “We give thanks – modim anachnu lach – for every life restored, for the courage of those who endured captivity, and for the families whose prayers have at last been answered. We also weep with those who welcome home not the living but the lost, whose loved ones will now be laid to rest in the land of Israel… We pray that this day marks not only the end of captivity, but the beginning of compassion, that out of this release may come a turning towards peace for all who dwell in this land.”
‘Illegal and inhumane’ deportation of Palestinian prisoners
Families of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel are said to be describing their relief as bittersweet, after at least 154 Palestinians deported to Egypt, thought to be due to a risk of continuing political action against Israel. Al Jazeera quotes Tamer Qarmout, associate professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, saying this is illegal and inhumane. “These are citizens of Palestine. They have no other citizenships.”. The report says they were among a larger group including some convicted of murder and terrorism offences who had been in prison for decades. In addition, 1700 Palestinians seized from Gaza during the last two years, including women and children, were also released, driven away from detention centres in buses. In Ramallah, they were met with raucous celebrations from waiting families, with a crowd chanting “Allahu akbar,” meaning “God is the greatest.”
Other news
Report says new town planners must consult faith groups to build thriving communities
A report on the place of faith groups in planning and designing new towns and housing developments, recommends that a new organisation is set up to ensure planners understand the contribution of faith organisations to building thriving, strong communities. “Housing with Values: faith and belief perspectives on housing and community planning” follows the government’s New Towns Taskforce report, which suggested 12 new towns are needed to deliver the target of 1.5 million homes in five years. The Taskforce acknowledged that faith based spaces can enrich communities, but this report says current planning systems have not embraced faith and belief groups as full partners in building thriving communities. The authors say: “Housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about the kind of society we want to build”, values and shared connections. They suggest a New Towns Faith Taskforce is set up to contribute to planning frameworks, offering practical steps to shape places that foster belonging as well as shelter. The report is written by a new organisation, the Faith and Belief Policy Collective, initiated by Phil Champain and Prof Christopher Baker, together with Dr Ione Hine. Story is here.
Christians get ready for Christmas carols campaign
Church and Christian network leaders gathered at London’s O2 Arena Wembley to hear plans for this year’s Shine Your Light Christmas campaign, which will focus on reaching young people through social media. Pastor Dr Jonathan Oloyede, a medical doctor, pastor of a church in Plaistow and founder of the National Day of Prayer and Worship, announced a vision for 200,000 Christians to reach two million people this Christmas — double last year’s impact. The initiative encourages churches to take carols and nativity events into public spaces, offering free resources for outreach throughout December. New partnerships include a Christmas broadcast to 58,000 prisoners and outreach in homeless centres. A youth-led social media drive on TikTok, Instagram and other platforms will share the Christmas message nationwide.
Diwali celebration in London starts the season of celebrations
Diwali falls on Monday 20 October, but the celebration in Trafalgar Square in London took place last weekend. The picture shows the opening dance sequence with 200 dancers. London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities took part in musical performances, there were activities for children such as puppet shows and market food stalls. Image: © Greater London Authority
