Guterres Condemns Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack

Manchester is the largest city in northern England.

Thursday’s terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester, which left at least two worshippers dead on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, has been strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General.

The suspected attacker also died after being shot by police. Three others are reportedly in serious condition following the car and stabbing assault on the Heaton Park synagogue in the northern English city.

“Houses of worship are sacred places where people can find peace,” said UN chief António Guterres in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“Targeting a synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is particularly heinous.”

Video footage from outside the building – about four miles north of the city centre in a neighbourhood with a large Jewish community – showed the attacker lying on the ground after being shot by officers from Greater Manchester Police.

Two arrests have been made in connection with the incident, according to police. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that extra officers will be deployed at Jewish houses of worship across the country.

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is devoted to repentance, reflection, and seeking forgiveness. Many worshippers spend much of the day in synagogue with special prayers to open and close a day of fasting.

The Secretary-General extended his deepest condolences to the victims and their families in Manchester and beyond, wishing a swift recovery to the injured. “He stands in solidarity with the Jewish community and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice,” the statement continued.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide and stresses the urgent need to confront hatred and intolerance in all their forms.”

The UN High Representative, who serves as the focal point for monitoring antisemitism, Ángel Moratinos, issued a statement underlining that houses of worship should be places “where worshippers find solace and peace, not terror and fear.”

As the senior official working to enhance a system-wide response, he reiterated his determination “to continue to stand up and speak out against all acts of antisemitism.”

Mr. Moratinos was also appointed UN Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia in May this year.