Mayor of Hackney's statement on one-year anniversary of 7 October terrorist attack on Israel

Mayor of Hackney's statement on one-year anniversary of 7 October terrorist attack on Israel

"The violence of 7 October 2023 visited by Hamas upon Israel shocked people across the world. Since that devastating event we have seen a year of horrific conflict and suffering escalating across the Middle East.

"More than a thousand people were killed on that day and the future of more than a hundred hostages remains uncertain. Tens of thousands of people in Gaza were killed in the attacks that have followed, and we fear for all those who are now threatened, grieving, traumatised and displaced by the ongoing conflict across the region.

"There are many residents in Hackney who are directly or indirectly affected by these events and by the ongoing violence. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn the brutality and repeat the call the Council made in January: stop the violence now.

"Hackney Council will continue to focus on supporting our local residents. We have seen antisemitism, Islamophobia and wider hate crime deeply impacting our communities. We recognise that feelings towards the conflict cut across many different cultures and faiths and that diversity is our strength. We are working with communities, schools and faith partners so together we can better understand and address the impact of the events of the past year.

"I want to assure all those impacted that I am grieving with you, that I share your despair and anger at these terrible events, and that I will continue to engage with our communities and ensure your voices are being heard."

Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney