The man charged with organising the main communal event in London to mark the first anniversary of October 7 is driving home the message that the commemoration is “not a protest or a demonstration” but a memorial for the community to come together, “united” in its grief.

Henry Grunwald KC, chair of the organising committee, told the JC that the main communal event on Sunday October 6 would be “a memorial to share our grief and pain with everyone who has been affected by October 7.

“We have all been affected, but we are strong and resolute and want to come together in a united way and give a powerful message that those who were murdered are not forgotten and will not be forgotten.”

He added: “We want it to be inclusive as it can be. There are times when the community can appear divided. This is not one of them. We have already had support from the right and the left and that has been really heartening.”

Grunwald was emphatic that the main communal event on Sunday October 6 “would not be a protest or a demonstration and there is no political dimension”.

No politicians were being invited to speak at the event, said Grunwald, “but if any supportive politicians wanted to come in their own right, they would be welcome.”

Henry Grunwald KC,who is steering the commemorations to mark one year since October 7 (Photo: LinkedIn)

Grunwald said that commemorative events would run over three days, starting on Shabbat, when he hoped that individual synagogues and other organisations would hold their own commemorations.

The large communal event the next day is being organised by the Board of Deputies, the JLC, UJIA, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK, the 7/10 Human Chain Project and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

It already has the backing of a diverse range of organisations and charities, including the National Jewish Assembly, Maccabi GB and Yachad, and the JC is one of its media partners.

As well as the memorial event, there will be around 30 stalls showcasing the work of charities and organisations supporting those affected by the terrorist attacks.

On October 7, education materials will be available for Jewish schools and schools with a large number of Jewish pupils to run commemorative events.

“October 7 was a traumatic event for Jews all over the world, “ said Grunwald. “In this country, it’s becoming increasingly uncomfortable to be Jewish and say anything about October 7. The commemoration will be a time to express our grief and pain with others in Israel and the world.”

Other communities in the UK, including in Manchester, Leeds and Brighton, are expected to hold similar events.