Keir Starmer and key members of his shadow cabinet delivered heartfelt speeches at a Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) vigil during the party's conference in Liverpool. The event garnered
significant attention, with attendees queuing around the block. In his speech, Starmer reaffirmed the condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organization and expressed support for the Jewish community in Britain, pledging that Labour stands with Israel and that Israel has the right to defend its people.
The vigil, attended by over a thousand people, featured several members of the shadow cabinet. It began with a rendition of Kel Maleh Rachamim and the Chief Rabbi’s prayer, followed by the lighting of memorial candles on an Israeli flag to commemorate the victims in Israel.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves praised LFI Chair Michael Rubin for organizing the event and conveyed empathy for those who have lost loved ones or have friends and family taken hostage. She labeled the attacks in Israel as barbaric terrorism and assured the audience that they would stand in solidarity and work to bring the responsible individuals to justice.
Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed pride in the UK, where party affiliation does not matter when it comes to supporting Israel. He also condemned incidents of schoolchildren being advised not to wear their blazers to avoid religious identification.
Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary, reaffirmed the Labour Party's commitment to work with the Community Security Trust and underlined the importance of people's safety and well-being in the UK, stating that "no-one should have to worry about their children going to school in Britain."
Several other prominent figures, including Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl, Jewish Leadership Council Chief Executive Claudia Mendoza, and many shadow cabinet members, attended the event.
The speeches at the LFI vigil demonstrated unwavering support for Israel and condemnation of the violence and terrorism targeting Israeli citizens. Photo by Rwendland, Wikimedia commons.