There was no publicity for the vigil and it was still Succot, but on Sunday evening more than 100 people gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in London to express solidarity with the Jewish state after Hamas’s major surprise assault on the country in which upwards of 700 have been murdered.
Among those gathered were several Iranians including a human rights activist and model who has led the London protests for the women’s liberation revolution in Iran.
Addressing the crowd through the megaphone she had brought with her, she said: “We stand with you Israel. Our people are being brutally murdered by the same people. What they are doing to you and your families is a violation of human rights. They are besieging you…
“But we stand here today as citizens of the world and say unity, unity, unity. We are with you every day and together we embody freedom. A lot of people are scared to be here today, but your flag is flying high and our flag is flying high.”
After her address, she told the JC that when she was at school in Iran “they would tell us to shout out slogans against Israel and Zionism. We knew it was bulls*** and some of us refused. My mother was arrested because of my non-compliance.”
She also thanked Israel for standing with the people of Iran: “When he served as prime minister of Israel, Naftali Bennett was the only head of state at the United Nations who spoke out against Iranian President Raisi and with the people of Iran. We will never forget this.
“The hardcore left in this country has been brainwashed,” she added. “There is so much inexplicable hatred for the beautiful country that is Israel.”
Roma and Niaz McCarthy
Left to right: Roma and Niaz McCarthy, Persian Jews who attended the Sunday evening vigil (Photo: Karen Glaser)
Roma McCarthy, who attended the rally with her mother Niaz McCarthy was among those in the crowd to express her admiration for Jamali: “We are Persian Jews and we are glad she is here in Britain fighting the good fight,” she said.
The activist’s words also buoyed Uruguay-born Karen, 28, who said she “couldn’t not be here today. I have friends and family in Israel. The images of what has taken place are horrifying.”
Her words were echoed by Ethiopian Jew Esrael who described himself as a “Jewish-born Christian. I was in a shop down the road when I saw the rally. I fully support Israel and knew I had to join you.”
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