SPECIAL REPORT: The ECHO spent the week speaking to Merseyside's Arabic and Jewish communities about the conflict in the Middle East
On Saturday, October 7, Hamas - a group proscribed as terrorists by the UK government - launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Rockets were fired at Israel and a ground assault was initiated.
‘We were given 90 seconds’ warning to get into the shelters’ Victor Huglin has lived in Liverpool his entire life. The 78-year-old from Allerton is Jewish and returned from a trip to Israel just days ago. “I thought it was all very well staying on and showing solidarity for a country that is at war, but as a 78-year-old non-Hebrew speaking Scouser, I wouldn't be very much use to them. In fact, I would be more of a hindrance.”
Stoically, Mr Huglin said: “It was very hairy being there. Our apartment is on the coast and is north of Tel-Aviv in quite a luxurious part of Israel, but we were given 90 seconds' warning when the sirens went off to get into the air raid shelters. Mr Huglin faced a testing journey to get out back to Britain. His easyJet flight home was cancelled, meaning that travelling with Israeli national airline El Al to London became his only option.
Mr Huglin said: “In any flare up of incidents and activities in the Middle East, people associate Israel with Jews, because Israel is the homeland for the Jewish people. Anti-Semitism is the oldest hatred in the world. “I am working with three people who are affected by the ongoing war. They have family back home in Palestine and we are supporting them. They are depressed because they have lost family members.
“He’s an ambassador for us and helped change the attitudes of some white people towards us. He is representing Arab communities in the way we should be represented.” “Everybody is affected. We have a full insight into the issues in the Middle East. We see the images of the innocent people killed. We see the pictures of the children, of people’s houses being bombed.
He said Israel has a “right to defend itself, in line with international law” adding: “I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians”. “There were Jewish people marching with us. It’s also been encouraging to see Liverpool showing solidarity.” “Where are the statements from the powers that be condemning the killing of Palestinian civilians? When I went to Palestine these bright, young students asked me what do I know about them?
“We are in touch with students here, with shopkeepers. They are worrying about their families’ safety but also frightened by what might happen here. The students who came out on the march were incredibly brave. Since then, the community has had to come together. It has also had support from Merseyside’s other faith groups and civic institutions.
“We’ve met with the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the local police to make sure we’re safe and to allay fears of growing anti-Semitism. However, Mr Salamon has been encouraged by the response of the wider Merseyside community, including those from other faiths making an offer of joint prayer. He said this is a prime example of solidarity often seen in Liverpool.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Blake Shelton recalls special moment when he first met Gwen Stefani nine years agoBlake met the No Doubt Frontwoman on set of The Voice in 2014
Weiterlesen »
School with 'real sense of community' given glowing Ofsted report'There is a real sense of community, which is clearly evident, in all the strong relationships which exist between staff, families and the parish'
Weiterlesen »
Preston Christmas lights switch on: Coronation Street star announced as special guestThe switch on takes place on the Flag Market on Saturday 18 November with a host of performances planned.
Weiterlesen »
Zarco: “Was important to attack to not be attacked”, first MotoGP win ‘special’Johann Zarco said he could not wait any longer to pass Pramac Ducati team-mate Jorge Martin after fearing he could lose out on a first MotoGP win.
Weiterlesen »
GMB's Kate Garraway begs co-star to 'get away from the edge' during storm reportKate Garraway's motherly instincts kicked in on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain as she begged a correspondent reporting on Storm Babet to 'get away from the edge'
Weiterlesen »
Met Police report ‘significant increase in hate crime’ amid Israel-Hamas warDeputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said officers would ‘not stand by’ if hate crimes took place.
Weiterlesen »