Leeds Minster Removes Gaza Memorial Following Concerns Over Listed Names

Leeds Minster has removed a hand-stitched tapestry titled “Stitch Their Names Together,” which was intended to memorialize Palestinians killed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision followed formal complaints from the Leeds Jewish Representative Council (JRC) and the Jewish Leadership Council, who alleged that the display included the names of known Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants. While the JRC stated that at least 18 names belonged to terrorists, the Jewish Leadership Council identified at least 12 names associated with militant groups.

Project founder Mary Evers defended the memorial as a recognition of the humanity of the thousands of civilians who have died in the conflict. She characterized the criticism as an attempt to silence those speaking out against the humanitarian crisis. Simon Myerson KC, chairman of the Leeds JRC, expressed concern that the display was presented during the Jewish High Holy Days without consultation with the local Jewish community. The removal of the tapestry coincides with recent scrutiny regarding interfaith relations, following the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to revoke an award from an Islamic cleric who had previously praised Osama bin Laden.