UK
Christian and Muslim community leaders express 'solidarity' with ‘Jewish neighbours’ in Manchester
‘Such acts of violence have no place in our city,’ the Bishop of Manchester said
October 2, 2025 20:12
‘Such acts of violence have no place in our city,’ the Bishop of Manchester said
October 2, 2025 20:12As Jewish community leaders observed Yom Kippur, keeping their devices switched off until nightfall, other faith leaders shared their “shock” at the “hateful” terrorist attack that unfolded at Manchester’s Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, and spoke of standing “in solidarity” with their “Jewish neighbours”.
Two people were killed this morning and two more were injured after a car-ramming attack at the shul. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed but which is known to the authorities, was shot dead by police at the scene.
The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Dr David Walker, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the attack, which unfolded this morning as congregants arrived at the synagogue for Yom Kippur.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – the victims, their families, and the wider Jewish community – especially on this sacred day of Yom Kippur,” the bishop said.
Recalling the May 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack that left 22 people dead, he said: “Such acts of violence have no 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 way we defy those who seek to show seeds of hatred in our community, is to draw closer to one another in love. Hate can never defeat hate, only love can conquer hate.
The bishop added: “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 in the wake of this tragedy.”
The Manchester Council of Mosques, which is the umbrella body representing all mosques in the 10 local authorities of Greater Manchester, stated it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the news and called for unity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community at this distressing time,” the body said.
“Manchester has always been a city where people of all faiths and backgrounds live side by side. Any attempt to divide us through violence or hatred will fail – we remain united in our commitment to peace and mutual respect.
“We urge everyone to remain calm, allow the police to carry out their investigations, and to avoid speculation. It is vital at moments like these that we stand together as one Manchester – united against hatred and committed to peace, justice, and respect for all.”
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