07/10/2026
Today, at the Manchester Jewish Museum, North West Friends of Israel - supported by the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester - marked the third anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks with an intimate yet powerful act of remembrance, reflection and preservation.
As we remembered the 1,200 innocent people murdered by Hamas, those taken hostage and the brave IDF soldiers who have given their lives defending Israel, we also formally presented to the Museum a collection of materials from the vigils, rallies, demonstrations and public gatherings that have taken place across Greater Manchester since October 7th.
A particularly moving part of the event was hearing personal reflections from some of the stalwarts of the weekly vigils. They spoke candidly about what standing with Israel, week after week for more than two years, has meant to them personally. Their words captured the determination, resilience, pride and sense of responsibility that have sustained our community through one of the most difficult periods in recent Jewish history.
The banners, placards, photographs, leaflets and campaign materials now being entrusted to the Museum tell the story of a community that refused to remain silent. Together they document a remarkable chapter of modern Jewish activism in Manchester, preserving for future generations the response of ordinary people who came together to support Israel, challenge anti-Jewish racism and stand up for Jewish values in the public space.
We are grateful to the Manchester Jewish Museum for ensuring that this important story becomes part of our community's historical record, not only as a remembrance of what happened on October 7th, but as a testament to the strength, unity and advocacy that followed.
May the memories of those we lost be a blessing.
