A nation mourns as Sir Keir Starmer pledges stronger protection for Jewish communities after a horrific antisemitic terror attack at a Manchester synagogue leaves two dead and four injured on Yom Kippur, sparking unity and calls for action against hate.
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to do everything possible to protect Jewish communities after a deadly attack at a Manchester synagogue left two people dead and four others injured on Yom Kippur. The prime minister condemned what he described as a vile and horrific assault, saying Britain must once again confront and defeat antisemitic hatred. He offered condolences to the families of the victims, praised first responders, and promised greater security for Jewish people, including a more visible police presence near places of worship. The attacker, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by police at the scene, while three others have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.
Starmer returned early from an international summit to chair an emergency Cobra meeting in London, calling on the nation to show compassion and unity. He told Jewish communities that he understood their fear but promised they would see “the other Britain” of decency and solidarity in the days ahead. Leaders from across the UK and abroad issued messages of sympathy. King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were deeply saddened, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the killings as a barbaric terror attack and urged strength in confronting extremism.
Community groups also voiced grief and alarm. The Chief Rabbi said the tragedy was the result of an unrelenting wave of Jew-hatred, while the Board of Deputies of British Jews described it as an act of antisemitic terror. Muslim leaders in Manchester offered support and solidarity, condemning antisemitism in all its forms and stressing that violence in the Middle East must not poison communities in Britain. Political leaders from every major party echoed calls for unity, with many stressing that Jewish families should never have to live in fear. The attack has sparked renewed demands for stronger action against antisemitism nationwide.
