As we continue to watch the events in the Middle East, we mourn the loss of all those who have been killed in Israel and Palestine, and we long for the suffering and pain to cease, and for there to be peace.
As well as feeling angry, turbulent and anxious, many people are feeling hopeless and powerless, and sadly in recent months there has been an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, islamophobia and hate in the UK. Therefore, there will be a special ‘Together for Humanity’ vigil on Saturday 20 January.
Together for Humanity is a coalition of charities, community organisations and faith groups who have come together to give a voice to the majority of the public who stand against hate: https://togetherforhumanity.co.uk/
Following the ‘success’ of the vigils in London in November and December, Together for Humanity is asking people across the UK to stand with them on 21 January for a day of Building Bridges across the country. Here in Gloucester, a short vigil will take place outside the Cathedral on the evening before:
20 January at 6.30pm for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, followed by the opportunity to spend time inside the Cathedral where candles can be lit and people can sit silently in prayer or reflection.
The aim is to provide a space for people of all ages, backgrounds, faiths and philosophies to come together to remember all those who have lost their lives in this terrible conflict, to show solidarity for all civilians suffering – both Israeli and Palestinian – and to share a vision of hope that people of different backgrounds and faiths can live in peace alongside each other, here in the UK and around the world. As in London, there will be no flags, and no slogans, just people coming together to stand in solidarity, while holding different views, thoughts and feelings.
Please share this information with those in your communities, but please do not post on social media as we want this to be an invitation shared through relationship and in the spirit of the event.
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