Credit: Consistoire Israélite de Luxembourg
An estimated 400+ people gathered in Place de Clairefontaine in Luxembourg-Ville for a demonstration dedicated to Israeli hostages on the evening of Wednesday 8 November 2023.
The sombre event, organised by the Consistoire Israélite de Luxembourg, featured a speech by the Consistoire's president, followed by a minute of silence for the hostages and victims of Hamas militants. Participants then sang the national anthems of Israel (Hatikva) and Luxembourg (Ons Heemecht), respectively.
The gathering was vigil-like, with lit candles and the release of balloons. Participants carried Israeli flags and placards, some of which included photographs of those who are still missing after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.
"We are here to remind everyone that more than 240 people are currently held hostages by the terrorists of Hamas. These are babies, toddlers, children, elderly people, women and men - all civilians taken from their homes," said Albert Aflalo, President of the Consistoire Israélite de Luxembourg, during his speech. "We call for international organisations such as the Croix Rouge Internationale to finally do their job and do something to help for their release." He added that the Consistoire is calling for the "immediate and unconditional release of the hostages".
The gathering took place just over a month after Hamas attacked Israel. Last month, on 10 October 2023, the Consistoire Israélite de Luxembourg held a similar gathering in solidarity with Israeli victims and hostages. Similar demonstrations (some described as "pro-Israel", others as "pro-Palestine") have been taking place around the world following the escalation of violence in the Middle East in recent weeks.
(Photo credit: Consistoire Israélite de Luxembourg)
