A terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, has left two dead and three wounded after an assailant rammed his car into worshippers before launching a stabbing rampage outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation.

British authorities have identified the attacker as a 35-year-old British citizen from Syria, who was shot dead by police during the assault. The incident occurred outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on Middleton Road on the Day of Atonement, the most sacred day of the Jewish year.

Attack details and police response

The assailant, identified as Al-Shamie, drove his vehicle into a group of worshippers before exiting and stabbing additional victims. Security personnel and police quickly engaged the attacker, preventing him from entering the synagogue building.

Upon confronting the terrorist, authorities discovered he was wearing what appeared to be a suspicious device. Images circulated online showing the individual wearing canisters of some kind on his belt. The device was later assessed by bomb disposal experts and deemed non-functional.

Three arrests in connection with attack

Greater Manchester Police announced that two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have been arrested on suspicion of having helped plan and orchestrate the attack. The investigation has been handed over to Counter Terrorism Police.

Detective Chief Superintendent Hughes, who is coordinating the casualty response, praised the actions of synagogue security staff, stating that their bravery and quick response prevented the terrorist from gaining access to the building, potentially saving numerous lives.

Rising antisemitism in Britain

The Manchester attack comes amid growing concerns about antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom. Jewish advocacy organizations have noted that synagogues around the world have been forced to implement special security precautions during High Holy Days, as enemies frequently target these most sacred times on the Jewish calendar.

Christians United for Israel (CUFI) UK released a statement expressing “deep grief and horror at the abhorrent terror attack,” adding prayers for the victims, their families, and the Jewish community in Manchester and across the United Kingdom.

The organization noted that the attack “did not occur in a vacuum,” pointing to what they describe as “a relentless wave of anti-Israel rhetoric, hate-filled demonstrations, and inflammatory political decisions” that have emboldened those harboring antisemitic hatred.

International reaction and support

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) issued a statement expressing condolences and calling for an end to antisemitism not just in the UK, but around the world. The organization emphasized that Jewish communities globally must remain vigilant during religious observances.

The attack has sparked renewed debate about security measures at religious institutions and the broader challenge of combating antisemitism in Western societies. Jewish community leaders have long warned about the normalization of anti-Jewish hatred under the guise of political criticism.

Investigation continues

Counter Terrorism Police are continuing their investigation into the attack, examining potential connections between the attacker and the three individuals arrested. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the planning involved and whether additional suspects remain at large.

Greater Manchester Police have increased patrols around synagogues and other Jewish institutions throughout the region, with similar measures being implemented in other UK cities with significant Jewish populations.

The incident has prompted calls from community leaders for enhanced security funding for religious institutions and renewed efforts to combat extremism and antisemitism through education and law enforcement.

As the investigation continues and the Manchester Jewish community mourns, questions remain about how to effectively combat the rise in antisemitic violence while preserving the openness and accessibility of religious spaces.