The organiser of a Liverpool celebration of Gilad Shalit’s release has bemoaned the lack of young participants.

Although “pleased with the solidarity shown at such short notice”, Jewish community activities co-ordinator Adam Cailler “would have liked more of the younger generation to have attended such a momentous occasion”.

Local Jewish Labour MPs Louise Ellman and Luciana Berger were among a crowd of 90 at the Childwall Synagogue event.

Ms Berger recalled meeting Gilad Shalit’s parents during their tent protest near the Jerusalem home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mrs Ellman said she heard the news of the soldier’s release during a meeting with Israelis and Palestinians.

Jewish Representative Council president Gordon Globe urged the community to maintain solidarity with Israeli causes.