In Chapel this week, while remembering all those killed, injured, taken hostage and traumatised by the Hamas attack on 7th October 2023, we also celebrated Black History Month.  The connection between the Israel-Hamas conflict and Black History Month may not be immediately obvious; however, as Mrs Cameron told us, both Israel and Hamas seek justice and freedom, two concepts which are deeply relevant to the Black History movement.

For Israelis, the main concern is security. Israel has been targeted by attacks from groups like Hamas, which controls Gaza. These attacks put civilians at risk, which means that the Israelis need to defend their country from these threats. Israel also wants to ensure that it remains a safe homeland for Jewish people, especially after the trauma of the Holocaust and more recently the Hamas attack in 2023.

Palestinians, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, face restrictions on their freedom. Many Palestinians feel that they are living under military occupation, with limited access to resources, movement, and opportunities. Some Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, and seek a state of their own where they can live freely without fear.

Both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict feel a deep connection to the land, which adds to the emotional intensity of the conflict.

Finding peace between Israel-Hamas is difficult because of the violence, mistrust, and deep-rooted history. However, Mrs Cameron told us that on both sides, people hope for a future where they can live in safety and dignity and are able to experience the same justice and freedom which Black individuals have sought for centuries.

After speaking, Mrs Cameron handed over to Delight O (10S) and Ore O (12S) who gave speeches celebrating Black History Month. You can read Deight's speech here and Ore's speech here.

In closing, Reverend Kate said a prayer written by The Reverend Dr Nathan Eddy, Co-Director of the Council of Christians and Jews, written to commemorate the anniversary of the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023:

God of all,

With every news cycle, our hearts break for the loss of innocent civilian life in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon and the wider region.

Today, we hallow the memory of those Israelis, and citizens of the UK, Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and many other nations, who were murdered one year ago.

We remember that all those taken hostage may never return home.

We pray for the return of hostages, an end to war, and a stable and just peace between Palestinians and Israelis and for the region as a whole.

May we be people who oppose prejudice and hate of all kinds wherever we live and may our churches be places of welcome and solidarity in these times.

Amen

On Wednesday and Thursday, students from Q’s Culture Society gave a presentation on Reclaiming Narratives, the theme of this year’s Black History Month.

Lorelle O (7N), Tilly S (7W) and Lisa O (13S) told us that Reclaiming Narratives means a number of things to Black people:
Doing what’s right and not letting other people stand all over Black people; in order to understand the stories, we have to hear these stories from Black people.
Taking back the stories and telling them how they are supposed to be told so that Black people can receive the love and respect that all people deserve because, after all, they are people beautifully handcrafted by God.
Telling stories with accuracy and empowerment; using the voices that used to be taken from Black people.

Explaining that Black History Month is a celebration of Black culture, but also an opportunity for non-Black peers to become educated with the struggles of Black people, the students said that the theme of Reclaiming Narratives enables Black people not just to retell, but to take control of the narrative.

You can read a poem written by Lisa, Tilly and Lorelle here.