Eyewitness urges Britain to 'wake up to rising antisemitism' after Manchester synagogue attack

The eyewitness noted that threats have increased since the October 7 attacks in Israel.

He also pointed to antisemitism found within some university pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist movements.

Patrick Christys asked the witness: "Do you and your family feel safe? What has it been like living so close to where this happened?"

The witness said: "For the longest time, I would have said yes, we feel safe.

"I went to school in Crumpsall and Cheetham Hill, and, as a natural-born Mancunian, you know that area has always been a bit rough.

"But something definitely feels different now. Antisemitism has really been emboldened over the last few years, especially since the October 7th attacks.

"A lot of it comes from universities, where pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist movements have unfortunately included elements of antisemitism. But today was just completely chaotic."

Patrick asked: "Do you think the wider public, non-Jews especially, need to wake up to the threat the Jewish community faces and what that means for Britain?"

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The witness said: "Oh, yeah, massively. I’m not particularly observant, so I don’t ‘look Jewish,’ but whenever I tell people I’m Jewish, they often ask why there’s so much security at schools and synagogues.

"I have to explain: it’s because attacks like today are a very real possibility.

"You don’t see security outside churches, mosques, or Hindu temples.

"This is a specifically Jewish problem, here and around the world. People really need to question why Jewish nurseries and synagogues have such heavy security. It’s not for fun it’s because the threat is real."

Lawrence Taylor, Head of counter-terrorism policing in the UK, told reporters earlier today: "This morning an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester.

"Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police. We believe we know their identity but for safety reasons at the scene, we are unable to confirm.

"At this stage, three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests and based on what we know.

"Counter-Terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident. Our specialist teams are now leading the investigation into what happened at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and working closely with Greater Manchester Police.

"As we do this, those who have been killed and injured were the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends and all of those who love them.

"An attack on our Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating.

"Communities across the UK would normally be marking this holy day and now grieving and worried about their safety."