Statement from the Leader of the Council on the one-year anniversary of 7 October, which she will read at Full Council this evening:
“We are a year on from the attacks on 7 October last year, which triggered such devastating loss of life across the region of the Middle East.
Last night we held our second peace vigil jointly with the Oxfordshire Council of Faiths. We came together in large numbers, as we did last November. Sadly, since that time, countless further lives have been lost, particularly in Gaza. And now conflict has spread, not ceased. Many, many families are mourning the loss of loved ones. Terrible injuries have changed lives. Many families have lost their homes. The suffering is terrible.
Yesterday at the peace vigil, we came together to support each other - people of all faiths and none. We celebrated and recognised all of Oxford’s many diverse communities. In Oxford we are rightly proud of our welcoming, multicultural and compassionate city.
The terrible loss of life in Israel, Gaza and now Lebanon has shocked and appalled us all. We need peace.
We are conscious that many people in our local communities are grieving for loved ones or are worried about friends and relations in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon and Iran, as well as other conflicts in the world such as Sudan and Ukraine.
A year on, I also want to say that nobody should experience fear in our city as a result of international events. No-one should feel worried to wear a symbol of their faith or culture whether that is a hijab or a star of David. Oxford City Council stands shoulder to shoulder with people from all communities in our city and county, coming together in peace and solidarity, irrespective of their faith or background.
Today we once again fly our city flag at half-mast to mark our sorrow at the war, destruction and loss of life in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and in the hope of peace.
I pledge to continue to work with all of our faith communities to ensure that hate and prejudice have no place here, and that people of all faiths and none, and of every background, feel safe, welcome and at home.”
Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
Rate this page
