News / anti-Semitism
Bristol’s Jewish community reels from Manchester attack
In the wake of a tragic attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, Jewish communities in our city are showing solidarity and paying their respects.
“It was devastating news”, said Rabbi Mendy Singer from charity Chabad of Bristol. “On one hand, we want our response to be of light and hope, and for this to be the time that we all show up to our synagogues, light candles and come together.”
The incident took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and left two dead and three injured.
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Speaking to Bristol24/7, Bristol Jewish Society president Jonah Levy said: “When I first heard the news, I was heartbroken that on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Jewish individuals were being attacked simply for their identity.
“The entire community has been deeply shaken by this incident. For many of us, sitting in synagogue at the same time, it brought a profound sense of fear – for our own safety and for the well-being of our families and friends across the country.”
Levy said that the recent surge in anti-semitism meant that many in the Jewish community were anticipating an incident “of this scale”.
He added: “Painful as it is to say, it did not come as a complete shock”.
A Jewish student in Bristol said they were “terrified” but felt this could have happened “at any synagogue around the country”.
Speaking anonymously, they said: “You don’t feel safe walking on the street to synagogue.
“I have friends who were on their way to synagogue to pray and were evacuated by the police.”
Leader of Bristol City Council, councillor Tony Dyer said: “Like people up and down the country, we are devastated by the news from Manchester about a fatal attack outside a synagogue, on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar.
“We want to extend Bristol’s support to our Jewish community, and we know our colleagues in the police are ensuring there’s a stepped-up presence to ensure our residents feel safe.
“We also extend our sympathy to our friends and colleagues in Manchester.”
Main photo: Seun Matiluko
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