Following the horrific attack that took place outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, north of Manchester city centre, yesterday (October 2), a vigil will be held to honour the two people who sadly died as a result of the incident. The attack, which police are now calling a ‘terrorist incident’, occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
According to a statement by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), they were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, on October 2 at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and one man had been stabbed.
“This will be a space for reflection, support and collective strength in the face of hate.”
In a social media post, Manchester City Council said, “Manchester extends its deepest sympathy following the horrific incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur.
“This act of violence has deeply shaken our city. Today, we come together to honour those affected and stand united with our Jewish community… This will be a space for reflection, support and collective strength in the face of hate.”
When and where will the vigil take place?
A vigil will be held in partnership with the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) and local leaders at 3pm today (Friday 3rd October) at the junction of Middleton Road and Crumpsall Lane. Postcode is M8 5DS. The roads will be closed soon after midday today to allow the vigil to be set up.
Councillors Nasrin Ali, Jawad Amin and Fiaz Riasat in Crumpsall released a joint statement yesterday, saying: “…Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, should have been a special time for our Jewish communities – a time of reflection, atonement and peace. Instead, Crumpsall has been shocked by the horrifying and senseless attack on a place of worship – an act that we condemn in the strongest possible terms.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, along with the entire Jewish community in Manchester and further afield.
“We will always stand against hatred and we offer our Jewish friends solidarity and our full support at this time.”