The British Jewish community is mobilising to commission and construct a permanent commemorative statue to be built in memory of all of the victims of October 7. The challenge now lies in finding a suitable location – which needs to be open to the public, free, and in a safe area – to house the memorial structure.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the parents of Jake Marlowe, the 26-year-old British-Israeli who was murdered by Hamas terrorists while working as a security guard at the Nova music festival, but they are keen to emphasise that the memorial would be in memory of all of the victims of October 7.

Writing in the JC this week, Jake’s parents, Lisa and Michael put the case to Britain’s Jewish community for the establishment of a commemorative structure and asked that suggestions be made for a location, writing: “It is our deep conviction that the establishment of a permanent memorial for ALL those murdered on that heinous day is not only a necessity, but an imperative for our community.

They are still seeking a location for the memorial, but have a strong vision for how it should be created: “The proposed memorial would be a metal structure, forged from materials with deep connections to the events of that tragic day – metal from The Nova Site, the kibbutzim, the IDF, Magen David Adom, the police, and the Car Graveyard.

“This material would be shaped and designed by an Israeli sculptor, ensuring that the monument is not just a physical structure but a symbol of resilience, unity, and remembrance.

“The significance of using these materials cannot be overstated.

“They embody the very essence of that day from hell and the efforts to respond, rescue, and rebuild.

They say the location should be “a place where people can come to reflect, to remember, and to find solace.

The site must be accessible to all, serving as a communal space for remembrance and education. It should be a place that not only honours the memory of those murdered but also stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to move forward, as we have always done as a religion.

We urge our community leaders and officials and indeed our community to prioritise the identification and dedication of such a location.”

Jake Marlowe - the former JFS student was murdered at the Nova peace festival on October 7

The initiative has widespread support from senior community figures and leading organisations who are keen to build on the campaign’s momentum and assist in the process as it develops.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews is “strongly” supportive of the idea. Board President Phil Rosenberg told the JC: “The mass terror attack on October 7 had a deep impact on the entire Jewish world. Fourteen British Jews were among those murdered by Hamas, with three taken hostage. Many others, both among those fallen and those taken, had British relatives.

“A permanent October 7 memorial would be a meaningful way of representing the indelible mark of anguish left on our community. The Board of Deputies strongly supports this initiative.”

Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom, Tzipi Hotovely, wrote: “October 7 will forever be remembered as one of the most tragic and traumatic days in the collective conscience of Israelis and Jewish people around the world. Since then, not one day has passed in which the victims, their families and the hostages have not been in our thoughts and prayers, with 108 hostages continuing to be tortured as captives of Hamas in Gaza, including young women.

“The massacre of October 7 has had a profound impact on the Jewish communities across all four nations of the United Kingdom, whether they have been directly or indirectly affected. Indeed, many British Jews have lost family or friends in the terror attack. A permanent memorial that stands as an enduring reminder of all those who lost their lives in the horrific attacks is incredibly fitting, honouring the memory of the victims of October 7 collectively, and I hope a suitable location for such a moving tribute can be found in the UK.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis commented: “The atrocities of October 7 2023 will remain seared on our collective Jewish memory for all time. These horrific terror attacks amounted to an assault on the very essence of humanity and the sanctity of life. That’s why I very much endorse the efforts of Michael and Lisa Marlowe to establish a fitting memorial to remember their dear son Jake Marlowe and every other victim of the massacre.”

Progressive Judaism co-leader Rabbi Josh Levy said the denomination is “100 per cent” in favour of the proposal. Rabbi Levy said: “Progressive Judaism is wholeheartedly in support of Lisa and Michael Marlowe’s courage, dignity and commitment to honour the memory of all those killed in the atrocity of October 7. The sculpture will be a permanent commemoration of all those who were murdered that day, and a reminder of the humanity we share with the world. We hope it will be erected where it can be reached by all diverse communities throughout the UK.”

The National Jewish Assembly said it was “proud” to support the “absolutely excellent” initiative. One suggestion for a possible location that meets all the criteria from NJA chairman, Gary Mond, was the National Holocaust Centre in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.

Mond said: “The NJA is proud to support this important initiative led by Michael and Lisa Marlowe… The proposed memorial will stand as a powerful symbol of our community’s resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. It’s crucial that we honour the memory of all those who lost their lives on October 7, and this sculpture will provide a lasting space for reflection and remembrance. We wholeheartedly endorse this project and its significance for the Jewish community.”

The Jewish Leadership Council said: “We fully support the initiative for a UK memorial to the victims of the savage October 7 pogrom perpetrated by Hamas. We would be keen to work with those involved to discuss further how this can be brought to life.”
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman has also voiced her “wholehearted” support. 
She said: “I was incredibly moved to learn of Lisa and Michael Marlowe’s efforts to secure a memorial for all the victims of October 7 after their son Jake was murdered by Hamas. Jake’s heroism in trying to save others at the Nova festival is an example to all of us.

“I wholeheartedly support this initiative and I want to do all I can to help them realise their vision.”

The JC understands that the United Synagogue would be very willing to find a suitable site for the memorial should a suitable donor be willing to back the initiative.