In a statement shared on social media, the CST said: “Our thoughts are with those directly affected, their families and the wider community. That this occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, only emphasises the shocking impact it will have on the Jewish community. We want to pay tribute to the security guards at the synagogue and the police officers who responded so swiftly to the attack.”
The security group said it was working closely with police in Manchester and other authorities to ensure the security of synagogues and the wider community is “is as strong as it can be over the coming days and weeks”.
It said: “Everyone attending synagogue or any other Jewish premises must follow all instructions from security guards and police officers. In particular, we urge people not to congregate outside communal premises and synagogues to keep their doors closed at all times.
“This kind of attack is the reason why we have such extensive security in place across the Jewish community, and we thank all CST volunteers, security guards, and police officers who play their part in protecting our community from terrorism and antisemitism.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced "additional police assets" will be deployed at synagogues across the country after the attack, adding: "We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."
An emergency Cobra meeting is scheduled to take place within the next few hours, with Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and senior police officials expected to attend.
