Brighton and Hove's Jewish community welcomed Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Lady Mirvis for the dedication of the Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation shul at the new Brighton and Hove Jewish Community Centre (BNJC).

This significant occasion was further marked by a poignant visit to the Palmeira Square memorial in Hove, dedicated to the victims of the tragic events of October 7.

In an emotive address, Rabbi Mirvis spoke about the importance of public remembrance. He emphasised the enduring pain from the horrors of October 7 and the imperative to not let the hostages be forgotten.

Lady Mirvis, in a touching gesture of solidarity, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree in the square, demonstrating the ongoing support and remembrance of those still held hostage by Hamas.

The visit included a heartfelt address by Hove resident Adam Ma’anit, who shared the personal tragedy of his young cousin Maayan, who was murdered on October 7, just days after her 18th birthday, and the ongoing anguish surrounding her father, Tsachi, who remains a hostage.

The Chief Rabbi at the Hove October 7 memorial with Adam Ma'anit, whose niece Maayan was murdered on October 7. Maayan's father Tsachi is being held hostage (Photo: Yael Breuer)

Chief Rabbi Mirvis later expressed his admiration on social media, stating: "I am in awe of the extraordinary dedication of Adam Ma’anit and Heidi Bachram and so many others in Brighton who have stood in Palmeira Square every day to honour those who were killed on October 7th, and in solidarity with the families of the hostages still held by Hamas."

Hove resident Steve Fixman who is a member of the Palmeira Memorial Group, which facilitated the Chief Rabbi’s visit, said after the event: “We were honoured that the Chief Rabbi attended our memorial, where we have been holding daily services since the memorial was set up in early November, with the aim of highlighting the plight of all the hostages and ensuring they were never forgotten.

"Every night, we dedicate the service to one victim of 7/10. We have many different visitors to the memorial, and we are often thanked for being there as this a place where we can all be together and grieve the victims of 7/10. It has become a landmark in Hove.”