Terror in Manchester: Barbaric Attack on Yom Kippur Shatters Jewish Community’s Holiest Day
In a chilling act of antisemitic terrorism that has left the global Jewish world reeling, a deadly attack unfolded outside the Crumpsall Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Two innocent Jews were brutally murdered, three others seriously wounded.
Eyewitness accounts report that the attack unfolded as worshippers gathered outside the Shul following morning services. The attacker allegedly rammed his vehicle into the crowd before exiting the car and stabbing anyone with a Yarmulka.
“There was complete shock,” recounted Chava Levin, an eyewitness who captured the terror in vivid detail. “As soon as he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone nearby. He approached the guard and tried to break into the synagogue.”
Rabbi Daniel Walker, the Chabad Rabbi and Shliach of Crumpsall Hebrew Congregation since 2008, sprang into action, and according to reports he barricaded the Shul, blocking the attacker from entering
“Rabbi Walker shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside. He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero; this could have been even worse,” Levin said.
A rapid response from Greater Manchester Police had officers on site in just seven minutes of the initial emergency call, with armed officers fatally shooting the attacker.
A bomb disposal unit was alsoy deployed to investigate a device under the terrorists shirt, thought to be explosive.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson praised the collective valor that averted catastrophe: “There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access. All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises.”
Two additional individuals were arrested in connection with the attack, though details on their roles remain under investigation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who just days ago recognized a Palestinian state, addressed the nation, saying; “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they were Jews, and Britain because of our values.”
