Joint statement issued by the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council:
“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.
“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.”
ENDS