Christians praying for Jewish community after deadly synagogue attack in Manchester

Christians are praying for the Jewish community within the UK after a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day within the Jewish calendar. 

At least two individuals are dead after the automobile and stabbing attack on Heaton Park Synagogue within the Crumpsall suburb of Manchester on Thursday morning. Three more members of the general public are in a serious condition. 

A 3rd person considered the suspect was shot by police and is believed to be dead.

Greater Manchester Police said in an announcement: “Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the general public, stating he had witnessed a automobile being driven towards members of the general public and one man had been stabbed.”

The statement continued: “Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.”

The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the attack. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected –  the victims, their families, and the broader Jewish community – especially on this sacred day of Yom Kippur,” he said. 

“Such acts of violence haven’t any place in our communities. Manchester is a city built on diversity, mutual respect, and unity.

“As we showed after the horrific terrorist attack of 2017, the best way we defy those that seek to sow seeds of hatred in our community, is to attract closer to at least one one other in love. Hate can never defeat hate, only love can conquer hate.

“Today, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and safety for all. I commend the swift response of the emergency services and offer my full support to those working to bring healing and justice within the wake of this tragedy.

“Let us proceed to wish for those injured, for the community in grief, and for the courage to face together against hatred in all its forms.”

Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, called the attack “devastating” and said that an “attack on a spot of worship is an attack on all people of religion”. 

“My prayers are with all those affected by the devastating attack on a synagogue in Manchester today – especially on this holy day of Yom Kippur,” she said. 

“Today and every single day, we stand side-by-side with the Jewish community against all types of antisemitism.

“An attack on a spot of worship is an attack on all people of religion, and the bonds that bind us together.

“Hatred can’t be allowed to extinguish the sunshine of compassion, and no act of terror can silence the decision to peace. Our shared humanity is larger than any force that seeks to tear it apart.

The Council of Christians and Jews described the attack as “horrifying”.

“Our thoughts are with all affected: the victims firstly, the Jewish community in Manchester specifically and across the UK, and all who responded quickly and bravely,” it said. 

The World Prayer Centre has asked people to hitch them in praying for the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK. 

The attack comes at a time when many Jews within the UK say they feel unsafe, with antisemitism on the rise for the reason that October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and promised to ramp up security at synagogues. He is flying home early from a gathering of European leaders in Copenhagen to chair an emergency meeting. 

“The indisputable fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day within the Jewish calendar, makes it all of the more horrific.”

King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened” to listen to concerning the attack.

“Especially on such a big day for the Jewish community,” he said in an announcement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”