MANCHESTER – A brutal terrorist attack targeting a synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025, the holy day of Yom Kippur, has resulted in the deaths of two Jewish worshippers and injured three others, sparking a swift and forceful response from British and Israeli leaders.
The attack unfolded outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue during evening services. According to authorities, a 35-year-old assailant, identified as Jihad al-Shamie, drove a car into pedestrians before exiting the vehicle and stabbing bystanders. Two Jewish men, reported to be in their 60s and 70s, were killed in the assault.
Police officers at the scene shot and killed the suspect after he advanced on them with a knife. In a subsequent operation, three other individuals were arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
The attack was met with immediate and severe condemnation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unequivocally labeled the assault an act of antisemitic terrorism.
“This was a vile terrorist attack that attacked Jews, because they are Jews,” Starmer stated. “Antisemitism is a hatred that is rising, once again. Britain must defeat it, once again.” He pledged to “do everything in my power” to guarantee the security of Jewish people in the country and announced enhanced nationwide security measures for Jewish communities.
From Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with UK Jews. “Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester,” he said. “Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded.” He reiterated a warning from his recent UN address, stating, “weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
The Embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom also issued a statement, condemning the “abhorrent and deeply distressing” act of violence perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. The Embassy confirmed it is in close contact with the Manchester Jewish community, British authorities, and the Community Security Trust (CST) to provide support. It thanked the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response and emphasized that “the safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.”
The incident has heightened concerns over a surge in antisemitic hate incidents, placing a sharp focus on the security of Jewish institutions across the United Kingdom. Investigations into the attack and its motivations are ongoing.
