As missiles flew in, 3,000 UK Jews gathered for midnight prayers
AS THE Jewish world waited anxiously for news from Israel on Saturday night, more than 3,000 people joined two online communal prayer services to pray for the country’s safety.
During the United Synagogue services – at 11pm and midnight UK time – prayers were said for the IDF, the Hatikvah was sung and US president Michael Goldstein said: “When Israel is under such distress, we appreciate the power of prayer and unity. All we want is peace and pray for everyone in the state of Israel and that they should know and we should know of nothing but peace.”
In the hours before the attack early on Sunday morning, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has posted on social media: “Our prayers are with Israel as she is under attack yet again. May Hashem protect the people of Israel from danger. Am Yisrael Chai!”
The next morning, the Chief Rabbi posted a message of relief: “Following a night of deep anxiety, we reflect this morning with enormous relief on Israel’s astonishing defence against Iran’s unprecedented attack, which brings into stark contrast the forces of good, who invest in protecting life and the forces of evil who invest in destroying it.”
As news broke that Iran had launched missiles, the Board of Deputies tweeted: “We are praying for the safety of Israel and all its citizens, as well as the entire region, as the Iranian regime launches a direct attack.”
In a message of defiance, the Israeli embassy in London posted after the attack: “It’s been a long night/morning but one thing is clear. We are strong, resilient and we will never give in to terror. Those who harm the people of Israel will pay the price.”
UJIA, which oversees gap year programmes and Israel summer tours, wrote on Twitter/X: “As red alert sirens ring out across Israel tonight, we extend our utmost concern and send prayers for the peace for all the people of Israel and the region.” Co-leads of Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, said: “Last night, Israel found itself under attack once again. “We are grateful that Israel has such developed measures to keep its population safe, and for the support it received
We pray that everyone that tensions will de-escalate
from other nations. It should not be normal for any country to have to defend themselves in this way.”
Masorti Judaism issued a prayer for peace, along with a statement for their UK and European communities to share with congregants: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Israel. We pray that everyone will be safe and that tensions will de-escalate.”
Speaking to the JC on Sunday morning, senior Masorti Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg said: “Next week, we celebrate Seder Night, which is described in the Torah as ‘a night of watching’ for Jewish people.
“Last night was an anxious night of watching for all of Israel. We pray that just as God protected then, we will find protection, safety and hope now.”
Rabbi Joseph Dweck, senior rabbi at the S&P Sephardi Community, told the JC: “Whilst this latest escalation and attack from Iran brings us even greater concern, our hearts remain steadfast and our resolve strong in our support and prayers for Israel.
“We also thank all of our non-Jewish friends and allies who have stood by us.”