Manchester Attack on Yom Kippur: India Condemns Terror, Calls for Global Unity

India joined world leaders in strongly condemning a terror attack on Manchester's Heaton Park Synagogue during Yom Kippur services, describing it as a "particularly saddening" assault on the International Day of Non-Violence. The assault, which claimed two lives, has heightened fears within Britain's Jewish community and prompted swift security measures across the UK. Occurring amid rising global antisemitism—reports from the Community Security Trust noted a 147% surge in incidents in the UK following the 2023 Hamas attacks—this incident underscores the persistent threat of extremism targeting places of worship.

The attack unfolded around 9:30 a.m. outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester's Crumpsall district, where hundreds had gathered for Yom Kippur prayers, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar focused on atonement and reflection. Greater Manchester Police declared it a terrorist incident after the suspect, identified as Jihad al-Shamie of Syrian descent, rammed a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard at the synagogue gates.

Armed officers responded within minutes, fatally shooting the attacker after he reportedly threatened to detonate a bomb, as captured in a circulating video of police shouting warnings to bystanders. Two victims—a pedestrian and the guard—succumbed to their injuries, with several others wounded and receiving hospital treatment. Forensic teams combed the scene, recovering a vehicle laden with potential explosives, while the area remained cordoned off for investigations.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India's outrage, stating, "We condemn the terror attack... It is particularly saddening that this heinous act was committed on the International Day of Non-Violence." He called for unified global action against terrorism, adding, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the city of Manchester. We stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, grieving with the UK Jewish community and warning that "weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it." United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres labeled the targeting of a sacred site "particularly heinous," while the Israeli Embassy in London decried it as "abhorrent and deeply distressing."

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In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short a foreign trip to chair an emergency COBRA meeting, calling the attack "horrific" and praising responders' bravery. King Charles expressed being "deeply shocked and saddened," and London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced bolstered patrols at synagogues, lamenting that "too many Jewish people don’t feel safe."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged public calm, assuring the immediate threat had passed but advising avoidance of the area. As tributes flow and community leaders advocate for enhanced vigilance, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective resolve against hate-fueled violence on a day meant for peace.

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