News / vigils
Hundreds gather for peace vigil
A large crowd gathered near College Green on Wednesday, holding a vigil to mark the anniversary of two years of active conflict between Palestine and Israel.
The display, led by Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign, hosted a number of speakers, as well as encouraging the public to lay flowers and light candles to honour the lives lost in the last two years.
The vigil also hosted a minute’s silence for those who have been killed.
is needed now More than ever
The vigil contained speeches, music, and poetry – photo: Rob Browne
Proceedings were opened by Abdul Malik, Green councillor for Ashley Ward, who led the group in a prayer before addressing the crowd.
In his speech, Malik said: “Two years on the grief has not faded, because the injustice has not ended.
“We light candles today, tonight, not only for those who were killed, but for those who are still alive under siege.
“As a city that stands for peace and humanity, Bristol must continue to speak truth to power.
“May our prayers, our unity and our action be a light that cuts through this darkness.”
Attendees carried signs to honour Palestinian children – photo: Rob Browne
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Malik said: “This brings people together on a weekly basis, for two years we’ve been gathering in hope.
“Every week it becomes more and more difficult as we see how many more people have died and how many continue to suffer.”
The crowd gathered near College Green to mark the anniversary – photo: Susie Long
Jamila Alkhuffash, a Palestinian poet and representative of Bristol Palestinian Voices, recited a selection of her works at the vigil.
She read: “I want you to remember us for our smiles, our joy, our laughter
“Remember us for the courage, for the forever and for the never giving up”.
The peaceful vigil commemorated those who lost their lives – photo: Rob Browne
Numerous speakers marked the occasion as a solemn moment, calling attendees to remember the men, women and children who have been hurt or lost loved ones.
Helen Watts, a trustee at the Bristol Palestine Museum, said: “I can’t know how it feels to lose many members of your close family overnight.
“Some people say that grief is just love with no place to go, but we are not grieving in normal circumstances.”
Many added candles to the memorial near College Green – photo: Susie Long
The vigil was closed by Reverend Sue Parfitt, who led the group in a final prayer for peace.
The activist said: “We commend every human being, and every creature, that has been lost in this terrible attack.”
The public were then invited to lay flowers and add their candles to a memorial space, before the group ultimately dispersed.
Bristol24/7 are also aware of private vigils and memorials that were held at the weekend by members of Bristol’s Israeli and Jewish communities.
In a statement on the anniversary, a spokesperson from Bristol City Council said: “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish and Israeli communities of Bristol.
“We hold them in our hearts and minds on this day of grief and remembrance, alongside all those affected in Israel and around the world by the atrocities of 7 October 2023.
“We ask everyone in our city to show respect, compassion, and tolerance for one another.
Our Jewish and our Israeli communities are an important and valued part of Bristol, and we extend our hand of friendship and support to them today and every day.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
