Manchester synagogue mourns lives lost in Yom Kippur attack

English , Snippets , / Saturday, October 4th, 2025

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MANCHESTER, Oct. 3 Leaders of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation have described Thursday’s deadly attack on their synagogue as a “desecration” that has “changed us all forever.”
In a joint statement, Rabbi Daniel Walker, president Hilary Foxler and chairman Alan Levy expressed profound grief following the incident in which two members of the congregation were killed and three others seriously injured. “It is hard to find the words to convey the depth of our community’s grief, as we try to process yesterday’s act of unimaginable violence,” they said.
The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, when Jihad Al-Shamie drove a car into worshippers before carrying out a stabbing assault. Police confirmed he was detained at the scene and remains in custody.
Synagogue leaders said the tragedy has left an irreplaceable void. “These were not simply members of our synagogue, they were our friends, our family, and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” the statement added.
Despite the sorrow, the community emphasized gratitude for the support received. “Even in this valley of deepest sorrow, we have been upheld by extraordinary courage and kindness from so many,” the leaders said.