A service at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity yesterday offered messages of hope and peace amid the Israeli-Hamas war.

About 50 people, including Rena Lalgie, the Governor, Progressive Labour Party MP Jamahl Simmons and representatives from several faith communities, attended the event, in which they reflected on the ongoing conflict.

Israel declared war after Hamas, a militant group, launched 5,000 missiles towards the country on October 7 and invaded, killing at least 1,400 people.

Highlighting the significance of candles during the service, the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, said: “Many traditions, spiritual or otherwise, see the lighting of a candle as a sign of hope, presence, spirit and something shining in the darkness.

“As the end of this service, I encourage you to bring your candles to the front of the church, so that as we leave, we can look back and see light shining in the darkness.”

Bishop Dill read from several Bible passages, a member of the Muslim community quoted the Koran and a member of the Baha’í Faith read a prayer written by the former head of the religion, during the service.

Activist Glenn Fubler, who helped organise the event, reflected on the 2,000 Jewish students who condemned Israel’s actions at the United States Capitol building last week.

He said: “They clarified that the continued violence was not in their name, and that represents a sense of hope.”

Mr Fubler noted that almost every member of the United Nations Security Council voted for a temporary ceasefire in the region.

He explained: “My hope is that at least there will be a temporary ceasefire in the short term.

“This crisis also offers opportunity, as just before the dawn is the darkest; in that darkness is the opportunity for the global family to really dig down and focus on those opportunities in a just way.”