At a time when words seem so insufficient, they are actually more important than ever.  When many in society remain silent instead of vociferously condemning the appalling atrocities committed by Hamas, the Greater Manchester Jewish community came together to remember Oded Lifshitz.

Shaare Sedek Synagogue in South Manchester adopted Oded as their hostage.  Rabbi Ellituv, alongside the community and Rabbonim from across Greater Manchester participated in a commemoration service addressed by his grandson Daniel.  We hard how Oded was a founder member of Kibbutz Nir Oz.  He was a peace activist, journalist and grew cacti whilst being a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

During this unbearably difficult period, the Bibas family are constantly in our thoughts. We will never forget the anguish we all experienced when seeing a terrified Shiri shielding her beautiful children from the marauding terrorists who had invaded their Kibbutz.  Their appalling fate suffered in captivity has sent shockwaves around the world.  It is impossible to understand how anyone can find the motivation to first kidnap and then murder an innocent mother and her children in cold blood.

The depravity of Hamas has been further exhibited this weekend with footage of Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa Dalal forced to watch the latest choreographed hostage handover as their friends were released to the Red Cross.  This was all with an understanding they would not be freed themselves.

We call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages who have been cruelly kept from their families for 506 days.