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Bristol religious leaders call for ‘swift and peaceful’ end to Israel-Palestine conflict
Religious leaders from Bristol came together at Bristol Cathedral on Thursday to call for a “swift and peaceful” end to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Leaders from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian community invited people in Bristol to join them in prayer for those affected by the violence in Israel and Palestine.
The Israeli government has launched a major siege of Gaza following an unprecedented assault by Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Israel on October 7.
is needed now More than ever
So far, at least 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and more than 3,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including at least 500 Palestinian civilians killed during a missile strike on a hospital in Gaza on Tuesday evening.
Israel has imposed a total blockade on the territory, denying it food, fuel and other essentials, and has targeted border exits after warning Palestinians to evacuate Gaza.
The UN chief has demanded an immediate ceasefire to prevent a major humanitarian crisis.
The bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation, rabbi Monique Mayer, and Zaheer Shabir, from Building the Bridge took turns to read part of a joint statement.
They called for the safe return of hostages and for an end to the violence against innocent civilians.
Mayor Marvin Rees and councillor Ellie King also attended the event, alongside religious leaders from across Bristol.
Read the full statement here:
“The continuing escalation of violence that we have witnessed in recent days has deeply shaken everybody across the world.
“Few words can make sense of the tension we feel as we grieve the immense loss of life in this conflict. This has been very difficult for us all.
“We condemn all forms of violence, particularly those that targeted innocent people and their families who are simply trying to live their lives.
“We call for the safe return of those who have been taken hostage and urge the people in power to put an end to the ongoing violence and find ways to build peace among peoples and nations, so that they may live in unity with their neighbours.
“We ask all our Jewish, Christian and Muslim sisters and brothers across Bristol to come together at this difficult time and join in prayer for all who are affected by this conflict, both abroad and at home.
“We pray for an end to prejudice, both anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim, in our city and our country.
“Bristol is demonstrating once again that our city’s unity and support for one another will prove immensely valuable to many.
“We remain proud of our diversity and understand that the capacity to navigate these challenging times together is within our combined wisdom and grasp.
“We pray for a genuine, long-lasting peace in the region and across the world that unites us all in our humanity.”
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
Read next:
- Hundreds march through city in support of Palestine
- ‘You cannot be silent in a time like this’
- Vigil in solidarity with Israel met with disruption
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