During Yom Kippur prayers: Two Jews murdered in a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester, England

Two people were murdered on Thursday in a car-ramming and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, during Yom Kippur prayers.

According to police, the suspect was shot and killed by security forces. According to a Daily Mail report, Rabbi Daniel Walker physically stopped the assailant, who had planned to enter the synagogue — thereby preventing an even greater tragedy.

Manchester police announced that they know the attacker’s identity and that two arrests were made during the investigation. According to police, the suspect was wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest. The police declared the attack a “terror incident” and reinforced patrols across the UK.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murderous attack and criticized the British government’s handling of terrorism: “Israel mourns with the Jewish community in Britain following the barbaric terror attack in Manchester. Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured. As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terror only brings more terror. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar charged: “The truth must be said — open and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israel incitement, along with calls supporting terror, have in recent times become widespread across the streets of London, cities of Britain, and its campuses. The British authorities did not take the necessary action to curb this toxic antisemitic wave and in practice enabled it. We expect more than words from the Starmer government. We expect and demand a change of direction, effective action, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israel incitement in Britain.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer returned to Britain and on his way to Downing Street 10, sharply condemned the attack, saying that its occurrence on Yom Kippur “makes it all the more horrific.”

King Charles III and Queen Camilla also expressed shock at the attack near the synagogue in Manchester, particularly given its timing on Yom Kippur: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident.”

Former UK Prime Minister and MP Rishi Sunak tweeted: “Horrified by the murderous attack at a synagogue in Manchester — on Yom Kippur of all days. We must all fight against the rising evil that is antisemitism. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the Jewish community.”

Manchester United Football Club issued a statement: “Everyone at Manchester United’s thoughts are with the victims of today’s tragic events in north Manchester, and we extend our support to all those affected.”

The Embassy of Israel in London condemned the attack: “The fact that such an act of violence is carried out on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is despicable and deeply saddening. We thank Manchester police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the UK must be ensured. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community during this difficult time.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also issued a statement of condolences: “France stands alongside the families affected by this antisemitic attack against worshippers at a synagogue in Manchester, alongside the Jewish community and the British people. Today, Yom Kippur, we reaffirm our determination — the fight against antisemitism is ours, and we will pursue it relentlessly.”