Messages of condolence have flooded in from across the globe in the wake of last night’s terror attack in Manchester.
The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert.
I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.
I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care.
And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.
A statement from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, published on their Facebook page, said;
It is with great sadness that we respond to the terrible news from the Manchester Arena. Very few of us can begin to comprehend the horror of this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families of the bereaved. This was a terrorist attack on children and young people in our city.
Our commitment is to unite and remember that Manchester is a great city made up of many communities. A city that has faced adversity over the years. A city that has always recovered because of the resilience of all its communities.
We commend the thoroughly professional work of the authorities and emergency services and the generosity of the hotels, taxi drivers and others who gave free accommodation and transport to young people last night. We remain resilient and vigilant in the face of adversity, just as we did in 1996.
Whoever has committed this atrocity does not represent any community in our city, they represent evil, hatred and despair. They will never prevail. We will respond with love.
We call on all people in our city to reach out to those whom we may see as different and ensure that they know we stand together. We stand together with all people of faith who condemn this atrocity and have sent their prayers and messages of support for Manchester.
The Board of Deputies tweeted
We #StandTogether for #Manchester. pic.twitter.com/W9XqDobUPa
— Board of Deputies (@BoardofDeputies) May 23, 2017
Chief Rabbi Mirvis added:
Chief Rabbi: "When we are attacked by hate, we respond with love. Nothing and no one can divide us." #Manchester https://t.co/aMzSLVl7Lm
— Chief Rabbi Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) May 23, 2017
Messages of sympathy came in from politicians, celebrities, and thousands of members of the public,
Terrible incident in Manchester. My thoughts are with all those affected and our brilliant emergency services.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 22, 2017
London stands with Manchester - our thoughts are with all those killed and injured tonight and our brave emergency services. https://t.co/0al1LzXvXE
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 22, 2017
My deepest condolences to the victims and families in Manchester. As always our emergency services have shown great bravery and heroism.
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) May 22, 2017
A statement from Gershon Silins, minister at Manchester Liberal Jewish Community, on last night's horrific attack on the city:
"It doesn't make sense to many of us that such an atrocity could be carried out at a concert attended by children and young teenagers. A place usually filled with joy and excitement.
"As we woke up today to the news that dozens upon dozens of young lives have been prematurely lost, and many more changed significantly, the horror of the situation is incomprehensible. For so many families, today is just the beginning of mourning for lives lost, or a new reality of family members irrevocably damaged.
"But as the stories come in of the emergency service teams working tirelessly at the scene, of the local families and businesses opening their doors, we are reminded that it is precisely at times like these that our bond as a community is strengthened - not diminished.
"Today we stand side by side in the wake of this atrocity. In support of the bereaved and the injured. Today we all stand together."
Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 23, 2017
My daughter made it home safe from Ariana Grande last night. My heart goes out to all parents & those involved. Manchester stay strong. X
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) May 23, 2017
Cantor Gershon Silins, minister at Manchester Liberal Jewish Community, said;
"It doesn't make sense to many of us that such an atrocity could be carried out at a concert attended by children and young teenagers. A place usually filled with joy and excitement.
"As we woke up today to the news that dozens upon dozens of young lives have been prematurely lost, and many more changed significantly, the horror of the situation is incomprehensible. For so many families, today is just the beginning of mourning for lives lost, or a new reality of family members irrevocably damaged.
"But as the stories come in of the emergency service teams working tirelessly at the scene, of the local families and businesses opening their doors, we are reminded that it is precisely at times like these that our bond as a community is strengthened - not diminished.
"Today we stand side by side in the wake of this atrocity. In support of the bereaved and the injured. Today we all stand together."
Heart breaks for everyone at the @ArianaGrande show- terrorism and hatred disrupting a magical escapist experience. Sending all love.
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the families of #Manchester.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 23, 2017
💔 my condolences to the loved ones of those lost... and my thoughts + prayers with those in manchester and all of the UK. 🇬🇧 https://t.co/IIcUMzgs6Y
— Monica Lewinsky (@MonicaLewinsky) May 23, 2017
