India has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack on Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue during Yom Kippur services, calling it a grim reminder of the global menace of terrorism. The attack, which took place on the International Day of Non-Violence, left two people dead and several others injured.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India stands in solidarity with the United Kingdom and the Jewish community in this moment of grief. Jaiswal stated that India condemned the terrorist attack on Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue during Yom Kippur services and added that it was particularly sad that this heinous act had taken place on the International Day of Non-Violence. He emphasised that the international community must act together to confront and defeat terrorism in all its forms.
The Foreign Office spokesman added that the attack was yet another grim reminder of the challenge the world faces from the evil forces of terrorism. He said that the global community must confront and defeat it through united and concerted action, and expressed that India’s thoughts and prayers were with the victims, their families, and the city of Manchester. He reaffirmed that India stood in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom at this time of grief.
Rabbi’s Quick Action Thwarts Greater Tragedy at Manchester Synagogue
The attacker, identified as 35-year-old Jihad al-Shami, a British national of Syrian origin, was shot dead by armed police shortly after the assault at the Heaton Park Synagogue. According to authorities, Al-Shami came to the UK as a child and was granted British citizenship in 2006. He drove his car into a crowd gathered outside the synagogue before launching a stabbing attack that killed two Jewish worshippers and injured three others.
Police have arrested two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s in connection with the planning of the attack. Investigators said that Al-Shami was carrying explosives strapped to his body, which were later destroyed by a bomb squad through a controlled explosion. According to eyewitnesses and media reports, the attack unfolded in the synagogue’s parking area just as worshippers were arriving for Yom Kippur prayers, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The attacker first rammed his vehicle into the crowd and then began stabbing those nearby before police responded. The situation could have been far worse if not for the courageous intervention of Rabbi Daniel Walker, who acted swiftly to secure the synagogue.
When Al-Shami attempted to storm inside, Rabbi Walker managed to close and barricade the main entrance, preventing the attacker from entering the hall where dozens of worshippers, including elderly people, were praying. British media reported that the rabbi’s quick action likely saved many lives. Rabbi Walker, who has served as the rabbi of Heaton Park Synagogue since 2008, has been widely praised for his bravery and composure during the attack. A community member said that it was the intervention of the rabbi that prevented a much larger tragedy and added that he did not think twice before acting.
The attacker reportedly shouted incoherent words and resisted police before being fatally shot. The explosives attached to his body were later confirmed to be live. Security forces cordoned off the area and carried out a controlled detonation to neutralise the remaining threat. Local residents described scenes of chaos and fear as sirens blared and police surrounded the synagogue. Many worshippers emerged in tears, shaken by the violence that unfolded during one of the most sacred observances in Judaism. While the Daily Mail reported that the killer was an Islamic extremist, police have have confirmed that he acted deliberately and had planned the assault in advance.
Over 3,500 Antisemitic Incidents Reported in UK in Last Year
The attack has renewed concerns over the rise in antisemitic violence across the United Kingdom. Jewish community leaders noted that last year alone saw a sharp increase in hate crimes against Jews, with more than 3,500 cases reported, one of the highest figures in recent years. Many have called for stronger protection of religious sites and greater vigilance during major festivals.
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and vowed that those responsible for the attack would face justice. He stated that the government stood with the Jewish community in this time of sorrow and reiterated that terrorism has no place in society.
As Manchester mourns the victims of the Yom Kippur tragedy, global condemnation continues to pour in. India’s strong denunciation of the attack reflects its consistent stance against terrorism and its solidarity with nations affected by religiously motivated violence.
For many, the timing of the attack, on both Yom Kippur and the International Day of Non-Violence, has added to the sense of shock and sorrow. The incident has once again underscored the urgent need for collective international action to counter terrorism and safeguard the sanctity of places of worship around the world.
