The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly attack on worshippers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, describing it as “particularly heinous” and a violation of the sanctity of religious spaces.
Attack on Yom Kippur
The assault occurred on 2 October, during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Worshippers had gathered for morning services when a man drove a car into pedestrians near the synagogue’s entrance, then exited and began a stabbing rampage.
The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old naturalized British citizen originally from Syria, was fatally shot by police within minutes. Authorities later confirmed he was wearing a non-viable explosive device and had been out on bail for rape charges at the time of the attack.
Casualties and Response
The violence claimed the lives of Adrian Daulby (53) and Melvin Cravitz (66), with three others seriously injured. Police later acknowledged that one fatality resulted from a stray gunshot during efforts to neutralize the attacker.
Global Condemnation
Guterres emphasized that “houses of worship are sacred places where people can go to find peace,” and expressed alarm over the rising tide of antisemitism worldwide, calling for urgent action to confront hatred and intolerance.
Sacha Deshmukh, CEO of Amnesty International UK, also condemned the attack, stating:
“Acts of violence have no place in our society and only serve to deepen division among communities. Now more than ever, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with one another and recognize that our strength lies in our diversity.”
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited concerns about religious hate crimes, community safety, and the adequacy of bail protocols for violent offenders. UK authorities have pledged a full investigation and increased security around places of worship.
Excerpts from jurist.org article by Christine Savino | Cornell Law School, US
UN-Secretary-General-Antonio-Guterres-Picture-by John-Thys
Sources: Jurist.org; Greater Manchester Police; UN Press Office; Amnesty International UK.
