Thousands Gather in London for 7 October Anniversary Vigil

About 3,000 people filled London’s Trafalgar Square on 5 October 2025 to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel that left roughly 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage.

The memorial, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, unfolded under visibly tightened security days after a suspected terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue that killed two Jewish men and wounded three others on 2 October.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis told the crowd:

“Today, we recall the precious lives who were mercilessly taken from our midst on 7 October. We remember all subsequent atrocities since that original day.”

Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents were among those abducted, said her family had lived in limbo for almost two years. Keith Black, chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, warned that antisemitism in Britain is “out of control.”

Twenty-three candles were lit for the victims, and attendees recited the Kaddish prayer before chanting “bring them home” in support of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Similar commemorations were held across Israel and other countries on 7 October.