Tag: synagogue attack

Swinney: Scotland must stand firm against those who seek to divide us

First Minister speaks out on Manchester synagogue attack

First Minister John Swinney has urged communities to stand united in condemnation at the violence inflicted upon the Jewish community with the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester. 

Mr Swinney said now more than ever, division and hatred of all forms – especially the evil of antisemitism – must be rejected and communities must stand firm against those that seek to divide our country. 

Last night the First Minister expressed his horror at the Heaton Park attacks during a private visit to the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, where he was able to reiterate his solidarity with Scotland’s Jewish community and stress the additional and dedicated Police Scotland patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues in Scotland.

In an expression of solidarity, flags flying from Scottish Government buildings have been lowered until 20:00 today.   

Mr Swinney also received a briefing from the UK Government Security Minister, and Scotland’s Justice Secretary has had further conversations with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to ensure every necessary step is being taken in Scotland to provide reassurance to Jewish communities. 

Speaking uesterday, First Minister John Swinney said: “The horror of the violence inflicted upon the Jewish Community with the Heaton Park attack is utterly unimaginable. I cannot stress enough my sympathy with those families and their friends who have lost their loved ones, and my solidarity with the Jewish community in Scotland and across the whole of the United Kingdom. 

“I know just what a distressing time this is for our Jewish communities, with fears and worry over the consequences of Heaton Park playing on their mind. I can assure our Jewish community that we will do everything necessary to ensure their continued safety, and additional security and policing is in place around synagogues and Jewish community venues. 

“When society is faced with unimaginable horror, we must take solace in the things that unite us. We must stand firm against those that seek to divide us. Now more than ever, division and all form of hatred – especially evil antisemitism – must be rejected and I urge communities across Scotland to stand firm against those that seek to divide our country. 

“Scotland’s diversity and our inclusive outlook is one of our greatest strengths. It is a precious commodity which we must all work to cherish and maintain, especially at moments of strain.   

“In this spirit, I take great pride in Drumlanrig Peace Accord, which was agreed in Scotland and marks a profound step forward in fostering mutual respect and understanding between Jewish and Muslim communities.

“Scotland stands ready to support efforts that build bridges, promote solidarity, and ensure that all our citizens can face challenges together in peace and unity.” 

Security stepped up following Manchester synagogue attack

TWO people are dead and three more are in hospital with serious injuries following an attack on a synagogue in Manchester yesterday.

In a statement this morning, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the identities of the two victims: ‘Two members of our Jewish community who sadly died as a result of the incident at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue yesterday have been named as Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz – our thoughts remain with their families at this difficult time.’

A man, who has now been named as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a car at members of the public before stabbing people. He was shot dead by police at the scene.

The incident at Heaton Park synagogue, classified by police as a terrorist attack, took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

It’s understood that three more people have been arrested in connection with the attack.

The UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, says the attack is the “tragic result of an unrelenting wave of Jew hatred”.

Sacha Deshmukh, CE Amnesty International UK said: “Amnesty International UK is deeply saddened by the news of this morning’s attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in north Manchester.

“We condemn this horrific act of violence that has taken the lives of two innocent people and injured many more. Our hearts are with the Jewish community and all those affected by this appalling attack on such an important and holy day in the Jewish calendar.

“Acts of violence have no place in our society and only deepen division among communities. It is essential that politicians, leaders and the media ensure their actions in the following days do not stoke hatred and division further.

“We must focus on the solidarity and humanity that connects us all.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “This was a vile terrorist attack that attacked Jews, because they are Jews. Antisemitism is a hatred that is rising, once again. Britain must defeat it, once again.

“To every Jewish person in this country: I promise that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security you deserve.”

First Minister John Swinney @JohnSwinney visited Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation to reiterate Scotland’s solidarity with our Jewish Community following the attack at The Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.

The First Minister also received a security briefing from the UK Government.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood:

Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, has announced a special interfaith prayer vigil in honour of the victims and in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, Mr. Lal said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the horrific attack on the synagogue in Manchester. That such a violent act could occur on Yom Kippur — a sacred day of prayer and reflection — is especially painful.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the entire Jewish community, both here in the UK and around the world. We stand with you, united against hatred and violence.”

“The upcoming vigil, which will bring together members of  Indian, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, and wider interfaith communities, aims to send a clear message of unity and resilience in the face of division and hate.

“This is not just an attack on a single community — it is an attack on all of us who believe in tolerance, peace, and religious freedom,” Mr. Lal added. “Our vigil/prayers will honour the victims, and reaffirm our shared commitment to harmony, respect, and solidarity across faiths.”

Mr. Lal, a prominent leader of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom and a long-standing advocate for interfaith unity, has called on community members and leaders across the UK to stand together in condemning acts of hate and reaffirming the nation’s core values of inclusion and mutual respect.

He is also calling for robust action from the authorities/communities to protect all places of worship and ensure that those responsible for this hateful act are swiftly brought to justice.

Neil Lal will be writing to the PM to offer his full support and for meeting to bring all faiths together against any from of hate such as anti semitissm and looking at solutions in protective security measures for all places of worship.