Maureen Lipman to open 'Lovelock Hostage Bridge' at JW3

The 'Lovelock Hostage Bridge', will feature thousands of padlocks autographed by well-known figures, symbolising solidarity with those still held captive by Hamas.

The opening, taking place at London's Jewish Community Centre, JW3, in Finchley Road, Hampstead, on Sunday, February 11 at 11.30am.

It will mark 120 days since 240 innocent people were taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023. 136 are still unaccounted for.

Rachel Riley will also add her padlock to the bridge (Image: PA)

The 'Lovelock Hostage Bridge' concept is inspired by lovelock bridges across the globe, where couples fasten a padlock to a bridge to symbolise their love.

Besides Dame Maureen Lipman, personalities including Sir Simon Schama, Sir Martin Sorrell, Howard Jacobson, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Luciana Berger and Steven Berkoff, will be attaching their signed padlocks to the bridge.

More than 100 padlocks carrying the names of hostages are set to be added to the bridge, as well as padlocks with signatures from public figures, such as Rachel Riley and Alastair Campbell. Illusionist Uri Geller has also signed a bent padlock.

Dame Maureen said: "We are powerless to help them directly but the locks on our bridge are powerful symbols of our empathy.

"Somehow, they will know that their suffering is our suffering.

Dame Maureen Lipman said the locks are powerful symbols of our empathy (Image: PA)

"We will not let the world forget or belittle their plight and move on to the next tasty soundbite."

Raymond Simonson, chief executive of JW3, added: "The lack of international pressure to ensure the liberation of the hostages is a grave worry, highlighting the need for global efforts to address humanitarian crises of this nature.

"The Lovelock Hostage Bridge is a symbol of compassion for the hostages and families that have been suffering and a reminder they have not been forgotten."

Marcel Knobil, founder of the Lovelock Hostage Bridge, said: "I conceived Lovelock Hostage Bridge in the hope that thousands of people throughout the world would be able to show their love and solidarity for the hostages and participate in creating an ever-growing manifestation of support.

"I’m grateful that numerous prestigious individuals are already displaying their attachment to this urgent cause."

From 2.30pm on Sunday, February 11, members of the public can show their support by visiting the bridge, which will be open daily between 10am and 10pm (except Fridays and Saturdays).

Visitors can bring their own padlock to attach or pick up one for free from the JW3 reception, with donations to The Hostage & Missing Families Forum welcomed.