Chief Rabbi to Lead Yom Kippur in Manchester After Synagogue Attack, Warns Rising Threat From Demonisation

One year after the Heaton Park synagogue attack in Manchester, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi, will lead Yom Kippur prayers at the same congregation as survivors and bereaved families gather to observe the holy day.

The memory of that Yom Kippur remains raw. On October 2, Jihad al-Shamie, 35, drove into the synagogue gate, injured the security guard Bernard Agyemang, then fatally stabbed worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Volunteer Andrew Franks and others were seriously injured; Yoni Finlay was struck by a stray police bullet while attempting to help barricade the doors but survived. Armed officers shot the attacker after discovering a non-viable suicide vest.

Visits, Solidarity and Resilience

Immediately after the attack Sir Ephraim visited victims in hospital and, together with his wife Valerie, pledged to return if those recovering were able to lead services the following year. They have honoured that commitment. Less than three months later, Sir Ephraim travelled to Sydney to meet survivors of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting — another traumatic episode in which 15 people were killed and dozens injured — which he says deepened his sense of the global reach of such violence.

Three people lost their lives at the Heaton Park synagogue that day - Peter Byrne/PA

"What I discovered was tenacity, exceptional fortitude, remarkable resilience, a determination to survive… and a keen desire for the entire Jewish people to move on, to thrive."

Speaking from his home in London, Sir Ephraim is measured but clear: British Jews do not want to be defined as victims. They are "proud Jewish people, proud British citizens" who wish to live by the country's values even as they confront renewed threats.

From Rhetoric To Real-World Violence

Sir Ephraim traces a global surge in antisemitism to the October 7 attack and the war that followed, calling the events "an earthquake" that quickly broadened from concern for Israel to a wider threat to Jewish communities worldwide. He warns that sustained demonisation of Israel — amplified by chants, slogans and hostile rhetoric in public life — creates an environment in which individuals can justify violence against Jews far from any conflict zone.

"When rhetoric towards Israel escalates, hostility towards Jews is never far behind," he told reporters after discussions with government and community leaders. He also condemned violence against Palestinians carried out by extremists, underscoring that hatred and attacks on any civilian population must be rejected.

The Chief Rabbi meeting with King Charles and then Manchester mayor Andy Burnham a little less than three weeks after the synagogue attack - Getty/Alastair Grant

A Call For Collective Responsibility

Sir Ephraim highlights worrying patterns of antisemitism in UK institutions — schools, universities, healthcare, the arts, the media and corporations — and has hosted support groups for Jewish employees affected by daily hostilities. He urges "good people" across society to speak out and act to prevent prejudice becoming normalised.

"If the same hostility were directed at any other minority group, there would be a global outcry — why should it be different when it's Jews?" he asked, challenging leaders and citizens to consider the wider implications of tolerant attitudes towards demonising rhetoric.

Outlook And Community Response

While some media reports suggest Jewish emigration from Britain is being considered by a minority, Sir Ephraim points to research from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research showing no spike in departures. He remains hopeful about the community's future and stresses that many are committed to staying and strengthening Britain.

Sir Ephraim: 'Our response to attacks on synagogues has been for more Jewish people to attend synagogue' - Belinda Jiao

In the wake of attacks, synagogue attendance has risen: "Our response to attacks on synagogues has been for more Jewish people to attend synagogue," Sir Ephraim said, noting that services for the High Holy Days are expected to be full and that security will be highly visible.

As prayers begin this Yom Kippur, the Chief Rabbi's message is one of resilience and caution: maintain faith and community, and ensure public discourse does not cross the line into demonisation that can feed violence. "We all need to be exceptionally careful with regard to what we contribute to the tone within our society," he warned.

Note: This article synthesises reporting on the Manchester Heaton Park attack and subsequent community responses, reflecting statements and actions by Sir Ephraim Mirvis and official sources.