The local Catholic bishop has condemned a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur yesterday, in which two people were killed, calling for solidarity and prayer with the Jewish community. Source: CNA.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales released Salford Bishop John Arnold’s statement following the morning assault at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, where a knife-wielding assailant reportedly drove a car into a crowd of worshippers gathered for prayer.
The man behind the wheel then got out of the car, police said, and began stabbing worshippers, ABC News reports.
“The local Catholic community stand united in our prayers for the Jewish community following the tragic attack on a synagogue in Manchester,” Bishop Arnold said. “We condemn such acts and pray for the injured, emergency responders, and all affected.”
The British prelate emphasised the need for interfaith unity against extremism, stating: “Let us work together in hope to strengthen our community solidarity. We must remain united in our common beliefs against those who sow hatred and division. We also pray for peace and tolerance around the UK and the world.”
According to BBC News, police officers reported being alerted at 9:31am. local time to a car-ramming and stabbing outside the synagogue. Armed officers shot dead a man believed to be the suspect at 9:38am.
Since the man was found with “suspicious items” strapped to his body, bomb disposal teams were called and later carried out a controlled explosion.
BBC reports that the police have named the attacker, as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Three people remain in hospital with serious injuries.
The timing of the assault during Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar — has fuelled fears of targeted religious violence.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer left the European Political Community summit in Denmark to chair emergency meetings, announcing enhanced police protection for synagogues nationwide.
“We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,” Mr Starmer said, calling the Yom Kippur timing particularly “horrific”.
King Charles expressed being “deeply shocked and saddened” by the violence. He commended emergency responders’ swift action.
The investigation continues with heavy police presence maintaining security around the synagogue.
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British Catholic bishop condemns Manchester synagogue attack that killed 2 (By AC Wimmer, CNA)
