Greater Manchester has recently been the focal point of two significant terrorism-related incidents, one a foiled plot targeting the Jewish community, and the other a deadly attack on a synagogue. These events underscore a grave threat from extremist ideologies within the region.

In a major counter-terrorism operation, two men, Walid Saadaoui (38) and Amar Hussein (52), have gone on trial at Preston Crown Court, accused of plotting a terrorist attack between December 13, 2023, and May 9, 2024. The prosecution alleges they are Islamic extremists who harbored a “visceral dislike” of Jewish people and planned to “kill as many Jewish people as they could,” particularly in North West England, alongside any intervening law enforcement officers. The pair allegedly arranged for the acquisition and delivery of firearms, conducted reconnaissance, and made plans for an attack on a mass gathering. Walid Saadaoui was apprehended on May 8, 2024, in a Bolton hotel car park, where he was found with two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition. He was reportedly awaiting delivery of two more assault rifles, another pistol, and at least 700 additional rounds, aiming for a total of six firearms and over 900 rounds. Prosecutors described these as “fierce weapons” capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute, akin to those used in the 2015 Paris attacks. This deadly plot was ultimately foiled by an “undercover operative” named ‘Farouk,’ whom Saadaoui and Hussein believed to be a fellow extremist. Walid’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui (36), is also on trial, charged with failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism during the same period. All three defendants deny the allegations, and the trial is expected to last 12 weeks. The judge, Mr Justice Wall, clarified that this trial is coincidental to the synagogue attack and the defendants are not linked to it.

Separately, on Thursday, October 2, a devastating terror attack unfolded at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born British citizen, carried out the assault. Witnesses described Al-Shamie acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before being confronted by security. He left but returned approximately 15 minutes later in a black Kia vehicle, deliberately driving it into innocent members of the public before crashing into a wall. Al-Shamie then emerged, armed with two knives, and continued his attack. He was also wearing a “hoax device,” which was later confirmed to be non-viable. During the attack, he made a 999 call, claiming responsibility and pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), reportedly stating, “I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State” and shouting, “this is what you’re going to get for killing our children.”

The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two Jewish men: Melvin Cravitz (66), a father of three, and Adrian Daulby (53). Mr. Daulby is believed to have been inadvertently shot by police while bravely attempting to barricade the synagogue doors to prevent Al-Shamie from entering. Another worshipper, Yoni Finlay (35), also a father of three, was hit by a stray police bullet but is recovering. Three other men remain hospitalized with serious injuries, including a security guard with car impact injuries and a Community Security Trust (CST) worker with stab wounds. Quick actions by security staff, worshippers, and armed police prevented Al-Shamie from gaining access to the synagogue, with officers shooting him dead within six minutes of the first call to GMP.

Investigations into Al-Shamie's background revealed he was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. He had multiple wives, and one woman described a three-year abusive relationship, detailing how he tried to