This was held on the evening of the last day of the week long and very moving “Loss of Innocence” Exhibition, hosted at Gloucester Cathedral. The exhibition was visited by hundreds and included paintings by children from Gaza, depicting the traumatic events they have lived through and paintings envisioning hopes for the future by children from our partner, Hope Flowers School, Bethlehem.

After the lighting of the Peace Candle by the City Sheriff Councillor Pam Tracey, the evening arranged by Spirit of Peace in partnership with The Friendship Café, was introduced by Jane Ozanne.

Our guest speaker, Miriam Yagud from Jews for Justice for Palestinians, shared her own story, then spoke about the wide diversity of opinions regarding Israel/Palestine amongst Jewish people worldwide, something which is not adequately recognised.

Miriam then focused on what practical and positive things can we do. She addressed issues such as  boycotts and lobbying and explored what is a healthy use of language in discussing the situation.

It was a heartening evening, with a large and passionate audience of people, willing to discuss and engage with the issues in a positive way and to take considered action that could lead to helpful change.