A terror attack targeting the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries. The assailant, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, who was on bail for an alleged rape at the time, launched a car and knife attack before being shot dead by police. The victims were identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, believed to have been accidentally shot by police while trying to prevent Al-Shamie from entering, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped prevent entry. Police confirmed that a suspicious device worn by Al-Shamie was fake.

The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW). In the immediate aftermath, several arrests were made: two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s in Prestwich, and a 46-year-old woman (identified as an NHS mental health carer), a 43-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman in Farnworth. While the 18-year-old woman and 43-year-old man were later released without further action, warrants for further detention were granted for the 46-year-old NHS worker and the three individuals arrested in Prestwich, on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism. The police watchdog is also investigating the use of lethal force by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers, specifically concerning Adrian Daulby's death.

Details emerging about Al-Shamie, a British national of Syrian descent, paint a picture of deep-seated extremism. He was unemployed and not known to counter-terrorism police or the government's Prevent deradicalisation programme, despite having a non-CT criminal history. A former partner revealed she was groomed by Al-Shamie over a four-month period, during which he pushed 'extreme views', made her watch ISIS terror videos, and expressed a desire to join the terror organisation. He reportedly told her, 'I want you to be dedicated to the cause', attempting to indoctrinate her with his radical beliefs.

The attack exacerbated concerns over a rising tide of anti-Semitism, particularly highlighted by inflammatory comments from public figures. Barrister Sham Uddin sparked widespread outrage by accusing Israel of 'orchestrating' the synagogue attack, suggesting Mossad had UK sleeper cells, and alleging a plot to assassinate King Charles to 'create a race war'. Uddin later claimed he was merely repeating internet rumours, but campaigners and politicians denounced his 'deranged conspiracy theories' and called for him to be struck off by the Bar Standards Board.

Further controversy surrounded NHS doctor Rahmeh Aladwan, a trauma and orthopaedics specialist already under investigation for anti-Semitic tweets. Days after being allowed to continue practicing despite allegedly denying the Holocaust as a 'concept', she posted a photo of Britain's Chief Rabbi with 'Rabbi Genocide' on his forehead. Dr. Aladwan also claimed that the media focus on the Manchester attack was 'Jewish supremacism' and criticised the decision to restrict A&E access to prioritise victims as discriminatory, effectively placing 'a specific community’s security above the healthcare of the entire population'. Previously, she had called Israelis 'worse than Nazis', described October 7 attackers as 'martyrs', and referred to the Royal Free Hospital as a 'Jewish supremacy cesspit'. Despite the General Medical Council (GMC) expressing concerns that Jewish patients would not feel safe under her care, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) ruled she could continue practicing. Health Secretary Wes Streeting openly stated he had no faith in the medical regulator, condemning her 'racist language of "Jewish supremacy"'. Consultant neurologist Dr Rehiana Ali also seemed to fuel conspiracy theories, commenting on the attacker's 'convenient' name, Jihad Al-Shamie, and suggesting the Chief Rabbi 'should be arrested'.

The political and public response was one of condemnation and calls for action. Crossbench peer Lord Walney and Labour Against Antisemitism's Alex Hearn highlighted the alarming prevalence of anti-Semitic hate speech from senior figures and the perceived failure of regulators to address it. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged those planning protests in Manchester and London to 'respect the grief of British Jews' and not 'stoke tension'. However, pro-Palestine protests proceeded in Trafalgar Square and Manchester, with some participants displaying extremist symbols, such as a swastika over an Israeli flag, and calling for the 'dismantling of the Zionist state'. Over 175 arrests were made in London for supporting proscribed organisations.

In a poignant reflection, firefighter Tom Ludley, among the first responders, revealed his crew's swift and effective response was driven by 'immense guilt' stemming from the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, where emergency services faced criticism for preparedness. Ludley noted the stark contrast, stating, 'What is a testament to everyone involved [on Thursday] was that it was absolutely night and day [compared with the Manchester Arena attack].' This commitment underscored the determination to 'put a lot of things right' in the face of terror.