The United Synagogue

UK Tributes To Mumbai Victims

PRESS COVERAGE

London, 4th December 2008

UK TRIBUTES TO MUMBAI VICTIMS

As mourners from across the world joined to express grief over last week's terror attacks in Mumbai, a host of memorial events were organised this week in the UK.

Hundreds of people were expected to attend a service organised by the United Synagogue and Lubavitch UK last night at Mill Hill United Synagogue, with Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks due to address the congregants.

US Chief Executive Jeremy Jacobs said: "The Nariman Centre is a Jewish meeting place, just like our own centres, and the attack there resonates particularly deeply with us."

He added: "The horrors that took place across Mumbai have affected so many people and we share their tragedy. The Chief Rabbi together with our President and the Trustees offer the traditional words of comfort at this desperate time to the families of all the victims: May the Almighty comfort you all among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."

Throughout this week, Chabad on Campus UK has also arranged for memorial services at ten of its Chabad houses. Rabbi Eli Brackman, Chairman of Chabad on Campus UK, said: "We mourn all of the victims of this attack, our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. We also pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the carnage. The memorial services we are holding will pay tribute to a very special couple who gave so much to so many, leaving this world at a young age but having made an indelible mark with their goodness and kindness."

The sentiments were echoed by Rabbi Tony Bayfield, head of the Movement for Reform Judaism, who told TJ: "The events in Mumbai underline the seemingly ineradicable scourge of anti-semitism and the singling out of Jews for irrational hatred. Hard though it is, we mustn't take on the role of perpetual victim. We are not victims. We have an essential role to play in bringing justice and peace to a mad world."

Meanwhile, President of the Board of Deputies Henry Grunwald sent condolences to the Indian High Commissioner and to the British Hindu Community. The Board said: "The cowardly attacks have disgusted the entire world due to their indiscrimate nature, but also the killers' intention to seek out and murder British, American and Jewish victims in particular. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, the bereaved and the injured."

-END-

Published with permission of the Jewish News© - May 2008
For more stories from the Jewish world visit TotallyJewish.com - www.totallyjewish.com

this week
shabbat times

Sep. 10th - 11th
3rd Tishrei
Begins: 19:12
Ends: 20:12
Sedra: Haazinu & Shuvah

   ------------------------