Tim Rice, Tom Stoppard, Maureen Lipman and More Sign Letter Demanding Palestinian Terror Group Release Civilian Hostages
variety.comK.J. Yossman Over 10,000 individuals — many of them prominent figures from British culture — have signed a letter condemning the atrocities perpetrated by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Israel on Oct.
7 and demanding the immediate release of the more than 200 civilians still being held hostage. Among those who have signed the letter, titled the October Declaration, are “The Lion King” lyricist Tim Rice, playwright Tom Stoppard, “The Pianist” actor Maureen Lipman, “Doctor Who” actor Tracy Ann Oberman and “Dreamland” actor Frances Barber. “On 7 October 2023 the State of Israel and her citizens, both Jews and non-Jews, were subjected to a brutal terrorist attack, which resulted in the murder, torture, rape and kidnapping of over 1,500 people,” the letter states. “More Jews were killed on that day than on any other day since the Holocaust.
We are aware that Jews are not the only victims of this tragedy. Hamas knew that there would be consequences to 7 October, but the consequences did not weigh with Hamas.” The letter goes on to say: “We call for all the hostages taken on 7 October to be released immediately.
It is an essential step on the path to peace and the cessation of hostilities.” More than 2000 people were murdered by Hamas during the massacre two weeks ago, including children, senior citizens and in some cases entire families.
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