Thousands of households around the UK will light blue candles this evening in a show of solidarity with Israel and all those impacted by the conflict.
Jewish people from all walks of life come together at 5:55pm to light up to 50,000 special Shabbat candles in the colours of the Israeli flag in the act of support organised by Jewish education charity Seed. The initiative is being publicised online with the hashtag #lightforisrael.
More than 150 adults and children from local communities volunteered to pack all of the candles and distribute them to shops, schools, and synagogues across the country this week.
Up to 50,000 blue candles were packed and distributed
The “pack-a-thon” took place on Wednesday, with volunteers giving up their give evenings to make the initiative happen. A second packing session took place on Thursday due to "overwhelming demand".
Distribution of blue candles
Jessica Boxer, Seed’s head of fundraising and communications, co-organised the effort with Rabbi Peretz Goldstein of Seed Borehamwood.
She said: “Today of all days, it is important to light up the dark. We wanted to show solidarity and to encourage everyone to do a mitzvah on behalf of Israel.
“We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the response and by the display of unity and love.”
Packers of blue candles for the initiative
Seed said “an incredible number” of donations were made to fund the campaign, and that any money left over after costs are covered will be distributed to charities supporting Israel.
Light blue shabbat candles for Israel, organised by Seed
Rabbi Leo Dee, who in April lost his wife and two daughters when they were attacked by Palestinian terrorists in the West Bank, voiced his support for Friday's initiative.
