Last week, the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester was the target of a horrific attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. This tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of two innocent victims, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, has sparked widespread debate and condemnation, alongside a notable silence from certain public figures and institutions.

The perpetrator, 35-year-old Syria-born Jihad Al-Shamie, who was shot dead by armed police at the scene, reportedly became radicalized during the Covid pandemic. Neighbours described his escalating 'intimidating' behaviour, including preaching about the Koran to children and holding 'gatherings' in his garden while wearing traditional Islamic dress. Al-Shamie, a marijuana-smoking bigamist with a complicated personal life, had dropped out of university after a year, spending his days 'smoking weed, working out and playing video games'. His trauma surgeon father had praised Hamas fighters after the October 7 attacks, and Greater Manchester Police indicated Al-Shamie 'may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology', though he was previously unknown to counter-terrorism policing. Tragically, Adrian Daulby, who bravely attempted to block the synagogue doors, was fatally injured by a stray police bullet during the incident.

The attack highlighted a perceived inconsistency within the professional football establishment regarding their responses to various social issues. Critics, including commentators, pointed to the silence of figures like Gary Lineker, a prolific social media user known for his strong opinions on matters like climate change and 'trans' rights, and his previous posts promoting anti-Semitic content which led to an apology and hastened his departure from Match Of The Day. Gary Neville also drew criticism for a video targeting 'angry, middle-aged white men' protesting against immigration, further fueling accusations of selective outrage. The FA and Premier League, typically quick to embrace 'woke' causes with gestures like taking the knee for Black Lives Matter or promoting rainbow laces, were notably quiet on the Manchester atrocity. There was no widespread minute's silence at football grounds, nor was the Wembley arch lit in the colours of the Israeli flag, despite its regular use for other causes like the NHS and Pride Month. Only the two Manchester clubs, City and United, paid tribute. This led to accusations that 'Jews don’t count in the hierarchy of victimhood', and a call for the FA to mandate a minute's silence and light up the Wembley arch to demonstrate sincerity in its mission to 'kick out racism in all its forms', including anti-Semitism.

In response to the attack, a national day of mourning was organised by the Together Coalition, co-founded by Brendan Cox, widower of murdered MP Jo Cox. Scheduled for Thursday, a week after the attack, the event invited schools, faith groups, and youth organisations like the Church of England, the Scouts, the Women’s Institute, and the British Muslim Network to stage vigils or moments of reflection. Brendan Cox emphasised that 'Britain’s answer to hate is unity, compassion and courage', stating that 'an attack on one community is an attack on all of us'. Melissa Green of the WI and Iman Qari Asim of the British Muslim Network echoed sentiments of solidarity and rejection of hate, with Bishop Toby Howarth noting 'real fear' in communities following both the synagogue attack and an arson attack on a mosque in East Sussex.

Adding to the tension, the anniversary of the October 7 conflict coincided with planned pro-Palestine protests on university campuses across the UK. Sir Keir Starmer urged students not to participate in these 'un-British' rallies, accusing some of using them as a 'despicable excuse to attack British Jews'. Jewish leaders expressed disgust, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews calling for 'fundamental change of mindset to drive out anti-Jewish incitement'. Keith Black of the Jewish Leadership Council deemed protesting on October 7 a 'disgraceful and deeply upsetting strategy to cause maximum pain to Jewish students'. Themes for these rallies included 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance' and events to 'honour our martyrs', leading to calls from figures like Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick for students attending such rallies to be 'kicked off their courses'. The Union of Jewish Students pleaded for rallies to be held on another date, allowing Jewish students to mourn. This situation reflects a growing concern about 'terrifying levels of racism' faced by Jewish students and rampant anti-Semitism and extremism on campuses. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also weighed in, highlighting concerns about medical regulators 'failing to protect Jewish patients' from 'racist and antisemitic' comments by NHS doctors, promising an overhaul of the General Medical Council.