UK
‘Shocked but not surprised’: British Jews ‘saw synagogue terror attack coming’
‘This attack was sadly something we feared was coming’ the Board of Deputies and JLC said in a joint statement
October 2, 2025 21:04
‘This attack was sadly something we feared was coming’ the Board of Deputies and JLC said in a joint statement
October 2, 2025 21:04As night fell on Thursday, Jewish community leaders and groups observing Yom Kippur switched on their devices and learnt the details of the terror attack that unfolded this morning at Manchester’s Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, where two people were killed as worshippers gathered outside the shul on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. A common thread in their reactions was a sense of horror and dismay – but not surprise.
The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, but the attacker, who was shot dead at the scene by armed police has been named by counter-terror police tonight as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council this evening issued a joint statement expressing their “devastation” and urging Jews across the UK to follow advice from the Community Security Trust (CST) and the police.
The bodies said: “As we emerge from the fast of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in our calendar, many in our community will only now be learning of the horrific attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. We are devastated at the loss of two members of our Jewish community, and 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.
“Our communal organisations are working in close coordination with one another and with all relevant authorities including government and police.
“We urge all members of our community to carefully follow instructions from the CST, police and other authorities, intended to keep us safe. We are grateful to the police and the synagogue’s security team for their courageous action, as well as that of other emergency responders, which undoubtedly prevented further tragedy.”
They added: “We thank the government for its swift response, and His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister and other senior politicians for their expressions of support.
“We are also thankful for the widespread solidarity expressed for the Jewish community from across our diverse society, including faith and belief leaders from across the spectrum. At this dark time, these acts of solidarity will be a comfort to our community.
“At a time of rising antisemitism in the UK, this attack was sadly something we feared was coming. We call on all those in positions of power and influence to take the required action to combat hatred against Jewish people, and will be working with the authorities on a series of additional measures to protect our community over the coming days.”
Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), said: “We are horrified by today’s antisemitic attack in Manchester. Taking place on Yom Kippur, a moment of atonement and reflection, it is a truly horrendous event.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims and with the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK, who will understandably feel shocked and afraid.”
Noting HMDT’s mission to remember “the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred” and to challenge prejudice today, Marks-Woldman said “that duty is all the more urgent in moments like this.”
She added: “Antisemitism is a pernicious hatred that has no place in our society. We must confront it wherever it arises, without hesitation and without compromise.”
The London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism said “we are shocked but not surprised” that a terrorist had targeted a British shul.
It said: “Opposition to antisemitism is routinely smeared as a bad faith and cynical manoeuvre to silence those who support Palestinian freedom. It is no such thing.
“Hatred of Israel targets Jews who are assumed to be associated with it, when Israel is portrayed as the very symbol of evil in the world.
“Antisemitic violence begins as antisemitic ideas and as the demonisation of Jews, their communities and their projects.”
The body added: “When a community comes together on holy days, it is an abomination that it should have to fear for its physical safety.”
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