Latest news with #July7Attacks
Arab News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Remembering the 7/7 attacks and the backlash that followed
The UK on Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the July 7, 2005, attacks that left 52 people dead (56 including the attackers) and 784 injured. They were the victims of an attack planned by a group of four young British men who traveled into Central London carrying large backpacks containing homemade bombs. Three of them boarded trains on the London Underground network and detonated their devices, killing and maiming dozens. As the authorities were still trying to establish what had happened, another device was detonated on a bus. The carnage created by these devastating explosions was horrific. It is right that people remember those killed and injured in these tragic events — they were innocent bystanders who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But on the day this article was written, nearly 100 people were killed in Gaza. They had nowhere to escape, with their homes mostly razed to the ground over the past two years. Tens of thousands have died since the war started, but it is unlikely their names will be remembered as well as those killed in London that fateful morning as millions traveled to work. Tens of thousands have died in the Gaza war, but it is unlikely their names will be remembered as well as those killed in London Peter Harrison London is a multicultural city filled with people of every nationality, ethnicity, culture and religion. If the 7/7 attacks were aimed at hurting Britain, they were misguided. If the killers, who claimed they were Muslims, were doing it in the name of their religion, then what about the Muslims they killed? If it were out of hatred of the British, then what about the people who were born in other parts of the world who were there or who lost loved ones? And if it were an attack on British society, what about those people impacted who opposed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or stood firmly opposed to the politics that governed the country, but did so peacefully? The attackers did claim to be Muslims, but they certainly did not carry out an act of love or peace — the two driving factors of the faith that the vast majority of Muslims follow and practice. Over the last three decades, the world has been impacted by many acts of violence largely claimed to be in the name of religion, although there have been fewer than many people seem to think. We live in an era of uncertainty and increased fear of perceived threats. A YouGov poll published ahead of the 7/7 anniversary found that the level of concern about the threat of terrorism in the UK has been growing. 'Where in mid-2023 only 14 percent of Britons felt the threat had increased 'a lot' over the preceding five years, that figure has steadily increased … and has now doubled to 29 percent as of June,' the report explained. Again, if the 7/7 attackers believed they were killing in the name of their claimed faith, then spare a thought for the Muslims left behind, many of whom have at some point been pressured to denounce every attack or be accused of supporting the killers. The truth is that all the 7/7 attackers and the few others like them have achieved is a marked increase in Islamophobia. All that the 7/7 attackers and the few others like them have achieved is a marked increase in Islamophobia Peter Harrison So, not only do Muslims in the UK have anxieties related to the fear of future terror attacks, but they also have daily concerns about attacks against them because of their faith. Far more people suffer from that than have been attacked by extremists. The YouGov poll found that 47 percent of Britons consider Islamist extremists to be a 'big threat.' But while the police and intelligence services in the UK now see right-wing extremists as being on a par, only 25 percent of those polled share that view. Ironically, active threats from Islamist extremists in the UK may be 'high, but stable,' but those from right-wing extremists are 'rapidly increasing.' Islamophobia is a real problem. In October 2024, the monitoring group Tell Mama reported a spike in anti-Muslim abuse to 4,971 incidents in the year following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks — the highest total in 14 years. It is also well documented that, in the days that followed 7/7, there was a notable increase in Islamophobia in the UK. There is a growing trend in British politics, like much of the West, to move further to the right. Political parties of all persuasions have joined in the blame culture, pointing the finger at a supposed influx of migrants. The truth is that, following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, there was an inevitable increase in the number of migrants arriving in Britain legally or otherwise, but that is expected to fall away in the coming years. Hatred seems to have become the tool of choice when discussing politics. But surely the best way to beat attacks such as those commemorated this week is to show how united our communities are. It is right we remember those impacted by attacks such as 7/7 and it is right to be shocked, but it is also important to remember that this does not happen often and, as such, we remember the names of those killed 20 years ago on Monday. There are thousands of people killed elsewhere whose names we will never know.
The Independent
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Prince of Wales joins those remembering victims 20 years on from July 7 attacks
The Prince of Wales has joined survivors and the bereaved at a July 7 memorial ceremony in Hyde Park to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks. A series of commemorative events were held on Monday to remember the 52 people who died when three Tube trains and a bus were bombed by fanatics in 2005. In the afternoon William joined a number of relatives of those who died as well as survivors at the event, with music including Something Inside and Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child performed by the London Gospel Choir. The Hyde Park Memorial Service followed a morning ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral, which saw the Prime Minister and Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh among those who gathered to pay their respects. The 2005 attacks, that also left several hundred people injured, were the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, survivors, emergency responders and bereaved relatives also attended St Paul's. The moving tribute saw 52,000 petals fall from the dome of the cathedral as the names of those who died were read by Saba Edwards, daughter of Behnaz Mozakka who died on the Piccadilly line, and Thelma Stober, who survived the Aldgate bomb. The pair showed clear emotion and Ms Edwards stifled a sob and paused as she read her mother's name. Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Sadiq laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am on Monday, to coincide with the time that the first bomb went off. They were joined by officials including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Chief Constable of British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi who also laid floral tributes. In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. 'We honour the courage shown that day — the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. 'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now — against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' Mayor of London Sir Sadiq said Londoners 'will always choose hope over fear and unity over division'. He added: 'We remember the 52 people whose lives were cruelly stolen on that dark day and our thoughts and prayers remain with all of their loved ones, as well as the more than 700 people who were injured by these cowardly acts of hatred. 'We also pay tribute to those who ran towards danger on that terrible day. 'From emergency service personnel, to transport workers and members of the public who showed incredible courage and compassion by putting their own safety at risk to help those in need, their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. 'Two decades on – as we unite for a day of commemoration – I have a clear message for those who seek to spread division and sow hatred – you will never win. 'London's determination to stand together is stronger than ever. We will always choose hope over fear and unity over division as we continue building a safer London for everyone.' In his message to mark the anniversary, the King said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day.' 'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. 'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass.' 'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. 'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.' The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us, therefore, use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.'
The Independent
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Thousands of petals fall in cathedral as 52 victims of July 7 remembered
Fifty-two thousand petals fell in St Paul's Cathedral as tribute was paid to those who died in the July 7 terrorist attacks in London 20 years ago. Saba Edwards, daughter of Behnaz Mozakka – who died on the Piccadilly line, and Thelma Stober – who survived the Aldgate bomb, struggled to contain their emotions as they read the names of the 52 people who died as the petals fell. Ms Edwards stifled a sob and paused as she read her mother's name. The moving tribute was paid during a memorial service on Monday that included readings by Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, as well as a 1,200-strong congregation including bereaved relatives, survivors and emergency workers who were there on the day. Four bombers targeted three Tube trains and a bus in the worst single atrocity on British soil, killing 52 and injuring hundreds more. The service was opened with a bidding prayer read by Dean of St Paul's Cathedral the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, who said: 'We gather in this Cathedral Church to mark the solemn anniversary of an act of terror inflicted on our city on this day twenty years ago. 'Together with friends from many other regions and nations, we continue to commemorate a moment in time that left deep scars in the soul of our capital. 'We come to honour the memory of those who died, to stand alongside the survivors, to give thanks for those who responded with courage and compassion, and to renew our shared commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation. 'Here, beneath the dome of this great church, so often a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, we hold in our hearts the grief of the past and the hope of the future. 'We give thanks for the spirit of this city: its openness, its endurance, and its steadfast refusal to let the hatred prevail.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Sadiq, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were among those who attended the service. Four candles representing the site of each attack were carried through the cathedral by representatives of the emergency services and placed in front of the altar. They were carried by emergency responders Victor West from Transport for London; Helen Skeggs from the Metropolitan Police Service; Guy Tillotson from London Fire Brigade and Tracy Russell from London Ambulance Service. Readings were given about the history of each of the parts of London that were targeted in the attacks. Ellie Patsalos, wife of survivor Professor Philip Patsalos – who was around three feet from the bomb that went off in a train between Kings Cross and Russell Square, read the first passage. This was followed by readings from Tony Silvestro, an emergency responder from British Transport Police who was called to Aldgate; Reverend Julie Nicholson, mother of musician Jennifer Valda Ann Nicholson who was killed at Edgware Road; and George Psaradakis, the driver of the bus that was blown up in Tavistock Square. A conclusion was then read by Graham Foulkes, father of David Foulkes, who died at Edgware Road. He said: 'These four pieces of London epitomise what is great about this city: an international cross roads of diversity and ingenuity, tolerance and respect, challenge and opportunity. When four bombs exploded on July 7 2005, lives were destroyed and the flame of hope faltered for what seemed like an eternal moment. 'For many people nothing was the same again and yet everything was the same because the good which is in Londoners and the countless visitors whom they host at any given moment is not erased by hatred or threat but rather is fostered to produce a harvest of hope for each generation.' Later, prayers were given by those affected by the attacks – Azuma Wundowa whose mother Gladys Wundowa was killed in Tavistock Square; Philip Duckworth who survived the Aldgate bomb; Ken McAulay, Steve Keogh and Tony Moore from the Met Police, and Jo Dover, support expert for victims of terrorism. A group of faith leaders also made a statement to say 'we stand united in our determination to resist and overcome the evil of terrorism'. They were the Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally; Islamic Scholar Shaykh Mohammed Mahmoud; Rena Amin from Hindu temple BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir; Rabbi Jason Kleiman from Pinner United Synagogue; Harmeet Singh Gill, General Secretary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall; and the Right Reverend Paul McAleenan, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster.
