An Empty Seat for Shabbat
To stand in solidarity with the families in Israel who are grappling with the pain of missing loved ones who are currently being held hostage by Hamas, we present various initiatives to express our support and amplify their plight.
1. Jewish Leadership Council Initiative: An Empty Seat this Shabbat
This coming Shabbat (Friday, 27th October), we're calling on our community to add an extra seat at their Shabbat table. This gesture is in memory of families in Israel whose loved ones have been taken hostage. If you're active on social media, please capture an image of your table before Shabbat and share it using the hashtag #bringthemhome.
Suggested Caption for Social Media:
"This Shabbat, our table holds an extra seat. We have left it empty in solidarity with all the families of those who have been taken hostage. Release the hostages and Bring Them Home. Shabbat Shalom. #bringthemhome #israel #releasethehostages."
2. UJS Initiative: ‘This Seat is Reserved’
Attention students (and people who know students)! The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) has launched the ‘This Seat is Reserved’ campaign. They are emphasizing the urgency of releasing the 200+ hostages held in Gaza. Join in this initiative during JSoc events and more.
What to do:
- Download and print the A3 poster from the UJS website.
- Reserve a seat at JSoc events using the poster, especially at this week’s Friday Night Dinners.
- Share photos of the campaign in action.
Link for Students:
This seat is reserved
3. JW3 Initiative: Empty Shabbat Table Installation
You may have seen the moving photos of the empty Shabbat Table installation in Tel Aviv last Shabbat that garnered significant media attention. Now it's London's turn! The city, in conjunction with other global initiatives, will feature an Empty Shabbat Table installation at the JW3 Piazza.
The installation will be on display from 11am until closing on Friday 27th and from 10am until closing on Sunday 29th.
The overarching goal is to amplify the awareness surrounding the hostages. We fervently encourage community members to visit, take photographs, and widely share this poignant message.
