Silent vigil for Gaza organised by the Newark Quaker Centre to take place in front of the former Wetherspoons pub in Newark Market Square

A silent vigil to reflect the ongoing situation in Gaza and to call for peace is taking place tomorrow (June 18) in the town centre.

Members of the Newark Quaker Centre have organised the silent vigil to take place in front of the former Wetherspoons pub in Newark Market Square from 12noon until 1pm.

Organisers say the vigil will take the form of a Quaker Meeting, based on silence, offering a space for quiet reflection and solidarity with those suffering in the conflict.

Julia Richardson, a member of Newark Quaker Centre, said: “Quakers in Britain have become increasingly concerned about the situation in Israel and Palestine and increasingly worried about the situation in Gaza, which we believe to be genocide.

“Quakers are involved with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel and are in touch with people who have been in those countries and who have friends in all the different communities.

“At our recent Yearly Meeting we heard from some who have been eye witnesses.

“Their heartbreak was palpable as they spoke of their friends in Israel and Palestine. We wish to stand alongside those suffering in the Palestinian, Israeli and Jewish communities and pray that the fighting will cease.

“All who share this aim are welcome to join us.”

The Quaker Meeting House, next to Wetherspoons, will be open from 10.30am for tea and coffee, as part of the Quakers’ regular market day activities.

The coffee morning is usually followed by a Quaker Meeting titled ‘Silence in a Busy Day’, which tomorrow will extend into the vigil for Gaza.

Quakers nationally have also urged Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to act, issuing a statement calling on him to push for an immediate ceasefire and to recognise what they describe as the genocide underway in Gaza.