Deadly Terror Attack Rocks Manchester Synagogue on Yom Kippur, UK Leaders Condemn Antisemitism

Manchester is in shock following a deadly terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue during Yom Kippur services on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The assailant, identified as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, rammed his vehicle into congregants outside the synagogue before launching a stabbing spree. The attack tragically claimed the lives of two members of the Jewish community and left four seriously injured before al-Shamie was shot dead by police at the scene.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and an outpouring of grief, anger, and frustration from Jewish community leaders across the United Kingdom and globally. The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the country’s largest Jewish organization, expressed profound devastation, stating, “Our thoughts are with their families, those who are injured and receiving treatment, and all those who have been affected by this act of antisemitic terror.”

However, many leaders articulated that the attack, while horrific, was not entirely unforeseen. Both the Board of Deputies and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis pointed to a disturbing escalation of antisemitism in the UK. Mirvis remarked, “This is the day we hoped we would never see, but which deep down, we knew would come,” attributing the tragedy to an “unrelenting wave of Jew hatred.” He also lauded Rabbi Daniel Walker of Heaton Park Synagogue for his courageous actions in barricading the doors, likely preventing further casualties inside the sanctuary.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who cut short an overseas visit in response to the attack, vehemently condemned the perpetrator as “a vile individual [who] committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.” Starmer pledged to ensure the security of Jewish people across the UK. His sentiments were echoed by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, who described the incident as “a horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbors.”

In the aftermath, the Community Security Trust (CST), a security and advocacy group for British Jews, confirmed it is working closely with police in Manchester and nationwide to enhance security around Jewish communities. The CST has advised congregants to avoid lingering outside synagogues and communal premises and urged institutions to keep their doors closed, underscoring the heightened threat environment amidst a surge in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023, conflict in Israel.

While leaders offered condolences and vowed action, some, including Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, emphasized the need for governments worldwide to move beyond mere statements and implement concrete measures to ensure the safety of Jewish communities and to combat “murderous ideologies.”

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