VIGIL IN MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE FOR ISRAEL’S KIDNAPPED SOLDIERS

We can only hope that somebody is listening!!!

Around 250 people stood in Manchester city centre by St Ann’s Square to show solidarity with Israel’s kidnapped soldiers and those who are missing in action

Posters with pictures of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev who were kidnapped a year ago, together with pictures and profiles of the other missing in action soldiers, some of who have not been heard of for over 25 years, made a moving visual impact.

The vigil was part of an International Day of Action which aims to raise awareness of the sad plight of missing Israelis, and to do everything possible to secure their release.

Timing was appropriate as it coincides with news that Israel has released over 250 Palestinian prisoners as well as dropping 180 terrorists from a list of wanted fugitives

Among those there were two cousins of Ehud Goldwasser, one of the soldiers kidnapped last year by Hezbollah in Israel.

Passers by queued to sign postcards to the Prime Minister asking him to intervene on behalf of the missing men, and others signed a petition for the Missing in Action to be sent to the UN

Posters welcoming the return of Alan Johnston drew attention that now is the time to press for the release of the Israelis believed to be being held in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Reverend Robert Carroll chairman of the Missing in Action Foundation, based in Manchester said,

"We are seeking the same comfort for the families of our missing soldiers that Alan’s release gave to his family. At the very least we are hoping for some news that would bring some hope or comfort to the families and we are asking the Red Cross and the UN to do everything they can to find out their whereabouts and secure their release"

Vigil co-ordinator Joy Wolfe of the ZCC and StandWithUs said, "We were delighted with the response, and especially encouraged by the reaction of the passers by who clearly identified with our message"

The vigil was organized by the Zionist Central Council, sponsored by StandWithUs, and supported by many Jewish and Christian organizations

Immediately after the vigil Joy Wolfe spoke to the families of some of the missing soldiers who were moved to learn of its success.

Friends: Because of the problems I am having posting photos I will post them all here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/asisawit/sets/72157600859496697/

One Video Clip of this event may be seen as the last item of this video card of June 2007.

'Stop the War demonstration, Manchester' here:

http://josephmcg.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html