Manchester, UK – A synagogue in manchester was the target of an attack on Thursday, prompting a large-scale police response and leaving the local Jewish community in shock. Authorities have launched an inquiry, classifying the incident as a potential “marauding terrorist attack,” though it has not yet been officially declared terrorism.
The attack occurred as the synagogue prepared for Yom Kippur observances, with services scheduled to begin at 9 am.The synagogue anticipates holding multiple services throughout the holy day,including a special service for children. Manchester is home to approximately 30,000 Jews,representing the largest Jewish congregation in the UK outside of London.
Police “declared PLATO” - a codeword signifying a suspected marauding terrorist attack,defined as an incident where attackers move rapidly to inflict maximum casualties. A Casualty Bureau has been established online for concerned individuals to inquire about family and friends who may have been present during the attack: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/NATIONAL25Y19-PO1. Individuals who were at the scene and are now safe are also encouraged to submit reports through the portal.
The incident comes amid a documented rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the UK. The Community Security Trust (CST) reported 3,528 instances of anti-Semitism in 2024, the second-highest annual total recorded, including 19 instances of synagogue damage. This followed a record high of 4,296 incidents in 2023.
As the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict, beginning with the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, there has been a global increase in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents, according to reports.
“There’s everyone here,” said 41-year-old Sam Martin, a local resident. “Muslims, Jews, everyone. I’ve known nothing but love and kindness from our Jewish community. I’m just shocked this could happen.”
