Less than a week after two Jewish men were stabbed in the predominantly Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green in London, more than 1,000 children from London’s Jewish community marched proudly through the streets of Stamford Hill in a powerful display of Jewish pride and determination not to be intimidated.

The annual Lag BaOmer parade, which has been a beloved tradition in the area for over 65 years, carried added significance this year following last week’s terror attack. While some had quietly suggested scaling back or even canceling the festivities due to security concerns, organizers made clear from the outset that the parade would go on as planned.

“That was never an option,” organizer Rabbi Sholem Ber Sudak said. “In unsettling times, when Jewish people are being attacked simply for being Jewish, that is exactly the time to stand up with courage and pride in who we are and what we represent.”

Working in close coordination with the Metropolitan Police, the Community Security Trust (CST), and Shomrim volunteers, extensive security arrangements were put in place throughout the event, which proceeded peacefully and without incident.

The event began at Lubavitch House, where hundreds of children gathered together school by school and class by class. The building was decorated with massive displays featuring the Yud-Beis Pesukim, along with colorful signs promoting yiddishkeit.

One by one, children were called up to recite the 12 Pesukim. Special emphasis was placed on the fact that this year marks exactly 50 years since the Rebbe launched the Yud-Beis Pesukim campaign. The children also davened together and gave tzedakah before the parade began.

Veteran shliach and longtime mechanech Rabbi Shmuel Lew addressed the children, together with Epping shliach Rabbi Yossi Posen. The children were also greeted by Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley, who praised the strong spirit and unity of the Jewish community.

The parade then set off through the streets of Stamford Hill, led by a lively marching band made up of local children. Each school marched proudly behind colorful banners, posters, flags, crowns, and displays carrying themes of Torah, mitzvos, Jewish pride, and Moshiach.

Mitzvah tanks and additional themed vehicles joined the procession as thousands of bystanders lined the streets watching the massive public display of Jewish identity. Traffic along the main roads was halted as the enormous procession made its way toward the carnival grounds.

The celebration concluded with a massive carnival featuring large rides, trampolines, bounce houses, petting zoos, games, and attractions for children and families. Thousands more from the wider London Jewish community joined the festivities throughout the afternoon.

Participants described the entire event as a tremendous Kiddush Hashem and a powerful answer to those seeking to intimidate the Jewish community.

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