In a shocking incident in Manchester, northern England, at least two people lost their lives during a car ramming and stabbing attack outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur, which is regarded as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The attack took place in Crumpsall, a neighborhood north of the city, where a vehicle was deliberately driven towards members of the public, resulting in serious injuries to three additional individuals.
According to the Greater Manchester Police, the tragic event unfolded when officers received a call at 9:31 AM from a witness who reported seeing a car targeting individuals outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road. The police statement revealed that alongside the vehicle attack, a man was also stabbed during the chaos. In a swift response, armed officers arrived at the scene and fatally shot the alleged attacker.
Emergency services, including paramedics, arrived shortly after the attack to provide immediate medical assistance. Worshippers inside the synagogue at the time were evacuated safely, as Yom Kippur typically sees a high turnout for religious services, where attendees engage in introspective prayer and seek forgiveness for their past year's transgressions.
In light of the severity of the situation, Greater Manchester Police activated PLATO, a national protocol that deploys armed officers in response to significant threats. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that additional police resources would be dispatched to synagogues across the country to ensure the safety of the Jewish community during this vulnerable time. Local reports indicate that four hospitals in the area have been placed on lockdown following the attack.
Prime Minister Starmer expressed his condolences, highlighting the horror of the incident occurring on Yom Kippur. He tweeted, “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected.” In response to the gravity of the situation, Starmer is set to return early from a security meeting in Copenhagen to lead a meeting of the UK government's Cobra committee, which addresses national emergencies.
Manchester’s Mayor, Andy Burnham, addressed the community's concerns, urging residents to steer clear of the area following the incident. He acknowledged the emotional turmoil felt by the local Jewish community, stating, “I can only imagine how people are feeling when they hear this news, the fear that that will bring.” His sentiments reflect the broader impact of this tragic event on community safety and emotional well-being.
This incident has raised serious concerns about security and safety for Jewish communities across the UK, particularly during significant religious observances. The collective response from law enforcement and government officials underscores the urgency of addressing such threats to public safety.
