A terrorist launched a car-ramming and knife attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur morning prayer services on Thursday, October 2, killing two people and seriously injuring three others. The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police officers at the scene.
The attack occurred around 9:30 a.m. as congregants were gathering for morning prayers on Yom Kippur, when Jews worldwide fast for 25 hours and spend the day praying. The terrorist first rammed his vehicle into people outside the synagogue before exiting with a knife and what appeared to be an explosive vest, which was later determined to be fake.
In an extraordinary act of courage that undoubtedly saved many lives, Rabbi Daniel Walker, the Chabad rabbi who leads the congregation, immediately recognized the danger and barricaded the synagogue doors, preventing the attacker from entering the sanctuary where the worshippers had gathered.
“Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm, he shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside,” Chava Lewin told local press. “He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero; this could have been even worse.”
Witnesses described how the rabbi, despite visible bloodstains on his clothing from helping victims, maintained remarkable composure as he secured the building and moved congregants to safety while armed police responded to the scene.
The attack comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Jewish communities have faced increasing threats and violence.
Yet the Jewish response has been one of defiance through faith. A Chabad rabbi in Epping, near London, shared words a community member shared with him after their prayer services: “I was in two minds about coming this Yom Kippur to shul. But after seeing what happened in Manchester, I told my wife, ‘I gotta go.’ ”
Rabbi Bentzi Sudak of Chabad of Hampstead Garden shared a similar anecdote from an elderly community member, a woman who had not been attending services, as it was too hard for her. When she heard of the attack, she told her son, “They attacked a shul; we’re going to shul.”
“In her eyes, I saw the power of generations of Jews who responded: “A shul is attacked; I'm going to shul,” the rabbi said.
National Response and Increased Security
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack in the strongest terms, stating that the terrorist “attacked Jews because they are Jews,” and pledged that such hatred “will not stand” in Britain. King Charles III also expressed his support for the Jewish community, joining other leaders in condemning the violence.
Greater Manchester Police immediately declared the incident a terrorist attack and activated Operation Plato, their protocol for marauding terrorist incidents. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts confirmed that three additional suspects—two men in their 30s and one woman—were arrested in connection with the attack.
Police presence has been significantly increased at all synagogues across Greater Manchester and throughout the United Kingdom.
The global Jewish community is asked to recite Psalms for the recovery of those injured in the attack and for the elevation of the souls of those killed. Chapter 20 of Psalms, traditionally recited in times of distress, is particularly appropriate.
Community members are also encouraged to dedicate additional Torah study in memory of the victims; perform acts of kindness and charity; attend synagogue services with renewed commitment; place charity boxes in homes and workplaces; and light Shabbat candles (for women and girls) with special intention for increased light in the world.
May the memories of those killed sanctify G‑d’s name, and may those injured have a complete and speedy recovery.
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