UK’s chief rabbi speaks of ‘indescribable heartbreak’ over Hamas hostages

Two hundred and twenty chairs bear the faces and information of those who have been taken hostage by Hamas. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images

Among the 220 empty seats at a carefully laid table for Shabbat were five highchairs representing the babies and children held hostage by Hamas.

Baby bottles, plastic cutlery and beakers lay nestled among the dinner plates, bottles of red wine, challah bread and candles on top of a white tablecloth.