UK Places Security on High Alert After Synagogue Terror Attack

Britain raised its security level on Friday to protect Jewish communities after a terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur left two people dead and three others seriously injured.

Police said the attacker, identified as a UK citizen of Syrian origin, carried out a car-ramming and stabbing assault outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday. Armed officers shot him dead within minutes. Three suspects were later arrested on terrorism-related charges.

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood confirmed that security had been stepped up at synagogues across the country. “We are absolutely on high alert,” she said, noting increased police presence nationwide. “Our priority is making sure our citizens are safe and can go about their lives within the Jewish community and beyond.”

Authorities named the victims as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall, one of Manchester’s largest Jewish neighborhoods. Emergency services responded swiftly after reports that a car had driven into worshippers and a security guard had been stabbed.

The attacker, later identified as Jihad al-Shamie, was wearing a vest resembling an explosive device, though police confirmed it was non-functional. Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short his trip to Denmark to chair an emergency security meeting and vowed to “do everything in my power” to safeguard the Jewish community.

The incident, one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks in Europe since October 7, 2023, has reignited concerns about antisemitism in Britain. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused UK authorities of failing to address “rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement.”

Thursday evening saw pro-Palestinian rallies in London, where 40 people were arrested, including six for assaulting police officers. Metropolitan Police have asked organizers to postpone another planned demonstration, but their requests have been rejected so far.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned the Manchester attack as the “tragic result of Jew hatred,” warning that antisemitism has been steadily growing across streets, campuses, and online platforms.

Community members expressed shock but not surprise. “Of course, everyone in the community in recent years has experienced some sort of antisemitism,” said Alex, a 31-year-old resident near the synagogue. “The conflict in Israel has definitely exacerbated the feelings of resentment.”