At a Sabbath gathering Friday evening in Clayton, Mo., more than 200 chairs sat empty, symbolizing the 239 men, women and children taken hostage by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.
Shabbat dinner is enjoyed by Jews on Friday nights, but this display at Shaw Park had the picture and name for each person taken hostage -- showing that they were missing the important occasion of Sabbath and giving the community hope of their eventual safe return.
It was one of many events across the U.S. and around the world to keep the hostages top of mind. In other displayers, strollers or teddy bears have symbolized the children who were captured.
Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Clayton's Memorial Park, people from the Jewish and Christian faiths will gather for a peaceful, prayerful demonstration of solidarity against terrorism and antisemitism.
Volunteers light candles at a Shabbat table in Clayton, Missouri on Friday, November 3, 2023.Bill Greenblatt/UPI
A woman walks past a Shabbat table in Clayton, Missouri on Friday, November 3, 2023, set for children.Bill Greenblatt/UPI
