Leaders call for greater efforts against antisemitism after Manchester synagogue attack
European leaders have called for continued efforts to combat antisemitism following a deadly attack at a synagogue in Manchester, England.
Two people were killed and four seriously injured on Thursday outside the busy synagogue to the north of the city. The attack is being treated as terrorism and the perpetrator was shot dead by police.
“The deliberate attack in Manchester against innocent worshippers at a synagogue on Yom Kippur is utterly appalling. Hate, antisemitism and violence have no place in our society,” European Foreign Affairs chief Kaja Kallas posted on X.
Belgium’s Foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, called the attack “horrific and deeply shocking” and said “we must redouble our efforts to fight antisemitism, everywhere and in all its forms”.
Strengthened cooperation
He is due to meet his British counterpart, Yvette Cooper, next week, to discuss strengthening cooperation in tackling antisemitism.
Yom Kippur, meaning Day of Atonement, is a day of fasting, and a day when many people who would not regularly go to synagogue attend a service.
"On behalf of our country I express our solidarity, but also my sadness you should still live with these fears"
“That this attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more appalling,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. “We must keep fighting antisemitism in all its forms.”
According to Greater Manchester Police, “two people were killed in a major incident outside the synagogue” in Heaton Park.
Police had previously reported injuries caused by a vehicle and stabbings, without providing further details. A bomb disposal unit attended the scene as the perpetrator was thought to be carrying an explosive device, but this was found to be "not viable".
Increased vigilance
Following the killings, French Interior minister called for greater vigilance for the Jewish community in France. Bruno Retailleau asked local authorities to “take immediate measures to reassure the Jewish community and to reinforce all sites frequented by this community: places of worship, schools, shops, etc”.
"Hate, antisemitism and violence have no place in our society"
At a press conference on Thursday evening, UK prime minister Keir Starmer addressed the Jewish community directly, saying: “On behalf of our country I express our solidarity, but also my sadness you should still live with these fears.”
Starmer, who returned early from a visit with European leaders in Copenhagen following the attack, said he would do everything in his power to “guarantee you the security you deserve”.
Members of the Jewish community comfort each other near the synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two people were killed, 2 October 2025 © PHOTO PRESSASSOCIATION
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