Community
‘Stand proud and speak out’ says Dame Maureen Lipman
The award-winning actress was at Mill Hill Synagogue’s Yom Hazikaron ceremony
May 1, 2025 16:37
By JC Reporter
1 min read
The award-winning actress was at Mill Hill Synagogue’s Yom Hazikaron ceremony
May 1, 2025 16:37By JC Reporter
Actress and JC columnist Dame Maureen Lipman has urged the community to “stand proud” following October 7 and the surge in antisemitism in the UK since then.
Addressing over 400 people at a Yom Hazikaron ceremony at Mill Hill Synagogue, the award-winning performer, who frequently publicly campaigns for the hostages in Gaza, said: “The community needs to stand proud and speak out, especially after the tragedy of 7 October and the subsequent outburst of antisemitism that has arisen, whilst Israel has to take steps to defend itself and protect its very existence.”
Sergeant Major Aaron Bours, a lone soldier from the United States, shared his story of joining the IDF after October 7, surviving a sniper’s bullet in Gaza and recovering through months of intensive rehabilitation.
First Sergeant Major Aaron Bours (Photo: Jerome Reback)[Missing Credit]
Rabbi Michael Laitner, director of education at the United Synagogue, and Rabbi David Rose of Mill Hill Synagogue led prayers, and there was a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
Orli Lang, co-founder of the synagogue’s Israel engagement hub, which organised the event in partnership with the United Synagogue’s educational team, Israeli rehabilitation organisation Beit Halochem and the Technion said: “This was our tenth Yom HaZikaron ceremony since I co-founded Israel Engagement Hub with Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet [from Mill Hill Synagogue].
“It was incredibly moving to see 400 people come together, not just from our community, but far beyond, thanks to our partnerships with Beit Halochem and the Technion. It was a profound testament to the strength of memory, unity and our unbreakable bond with Israel.”
Musical tributes were led by Chazan Moishe Caplan, the Mill Hill Synagogue adult choir and the Immanuel College primary school choir.
(l-r) Rabbi Rose, Paul Charney, chair of Technion UK, Dame Maureen Lipman and Orli Lang (Photo: Jerome Reback)[Missing Credit]
Rabbi Rose said afterwards: “It was a moving and poignant event that united the community in solidarity with Israel, honouring all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Synagogue chair Guy Davis said the event was “testament to the community spirit which continues to thrive in Mill Hill”.
