Manchester was rocked by a horrific terror attack on October 2, when the Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall became the target on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The incident, which began shortly after 9:30 AM, left two members of the Jewish community dead and four others seriously injured. The perpetrator, who drove a car at pedestrians before exiting the vehicle to attack people with a knife, was wearing a vest with the appearance of an explosive device. Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter devastation and chaos, with the attacker moving in a 'robotic' manner, targeting anyone nearby, especially those wearing a kippah.

The bravery of the synagogue's security staff and Rabbi Daniel Walker was pivotal in preventing an even greater tragedy. Rabbi Walker, who was leading the service, calmly barricaded worshippers inside the synagogue after the suspect crashed into the gates and attempted to force his way in. Police confirmed that within seven minutes of the initial 999 call at 9:31 AM, firearms officers were on the scene, and the offender was fatally shot at 9:38 AM. Bomb disposal units and army personnel were deployed, and controlled explosions were carried out on the suspect's vehicle as a precaution. The device worn by the suspect was later confirmed to be non-viable. Two other individuals have since been arrested in connection with the attack.

The attack triggered a widespread response from national and local leaders. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who rushed back from Denmark to chair an emergency COBRA meeting, condemned the 'vile attack' and announced that 'additional police assets' would be deployed at synagogues across the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Mayor Andy Burnham, and Council Leader Bev Craig all expressed horror and solidarity with Manchester's Jewish community, vowing that the city would 'never let hatred succeed' and calling for unity. The King and Queen, along with Prince William and Princess Kate, also conveyed their deep shock and sadness, highlighting the tragic timing on Yom Kippur.

The incident has intensified fears within the Jewish community, which has reported a rise in antisemitic incidents. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region stated that 'our community's worst fears came true,' linking the attack to 'two years of constant Jew hatred' exacerbated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Broadcaster Robert Rinder and former UK Foreign Office Minister Zac Goldsmith echoed these concerns, calling for stronger action against antisemitism. Emma Barnett, a BBC Radio 4 presenter, shared her personal distress over the attack at her childhood synagogue, reflecting the deep emotional toll on the community. Despite the trauma, Muslim leaders, including the Manchester Council of Mosques, expressed solidarity and commitment to interfaith harmony, asserting that attempts to 'divide us through violence or hatred will fail.' A fundraiser was also launched for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to protecting British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism, whose officers were seen assisting at the scene.

Internationally, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the 'barbaric attack,' with Sa'ar accusing the UK government of failing to curb a 'toxic wave of antisemitism.' Netanyahu emphasized that 'weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism.' The attack also sparked controversy when the Global Sumud Flotilla supporters drew a comparison between the synagogue attack and Israel's interception of their aid boats, drawing widespread criticism for being 'tone-deaf' and making a 'ridiculous comparison.' Across Manchester, despite the deep mark left by the attack, residents and leaders reiterated their commitment to diversity, tolerance, and unity, with many neighbors from different faiths coming together to express solidarity and support.