Sussan Ley leads Australian condemnation of Manchester terror attack at synagogue on Yom Kippur

Israel has demanded UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer change course, accusing the British authorities of allowing antisemitism to persist, leading to deadly terror attack at a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur in which two were killed, the attacker shot dead and four more people were seriously wounded.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets in London and Manchester just hours after the attack on Judaism’s holiest day.

Greater Manchester Police were called to the orthodox synagogue at 9.31 local time by a member of the public who said they had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public and one man had been stabbed.

Six minutes later, police declared a “major incident” and said that firearms officers shot the attacker dead at 9.38 am. However, confirmation of his death was delayed because of concerns that he was carrying explosives on his body.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said police had arrested two people. He said police knew the identity of the attacker but did not release his name saying doing so would be premature.

“At this time, we know that a car was driven directly at members of the public outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue,” Constable Watson said.

“The driver of the car was seen then to attack people with a knife.

”He was wearing about his body a vest which had the appearance of an explosive device.”

He said it was the brave and swift actions of the Jewish worshippers inside the synagogue, on-site security staff and police that prevented the attacker from killing more people.

Four more people were taken to the hospital.

Jews were attending synagogue in larger-than-usual numbers to mark Judaism’s holiest day – Yom Kippur, similar to the significance and solemnity of Christianity’s Good Friday.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the truth must be told about the state of the security of Jews living in Britain.

“The truth must be told: blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain, and on its campuses,” he said.

“The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.

“We expect more than words from the Starmer Government.

“We expect and demand a change of course, effective action, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement in Britain.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu did not directly link the attack to the UK’s decision, alongside Australia and others to recognise Palestine last week but connected it to his own speech to the UN.

“As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it,” Mr Netanyahu said.

Like in Australia, anti-semitic incidents have been on the rise in the UK since October 7. Manchester, in England’s north, is home to the UK’s largest Jewish population outside of London.

Political leaders, the Royal Family, the Jewish community and world leaders swiftly condemned the attack.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered extra policing around all Jewish sites nationwide and left a European leaders’ summit in Copenhagen to return to Downing Street to chair an emergency security meeting.

“On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences,” Sir Keir said at Number 10.

He said police had prevented an even greater tragedy and thanked them for their bravery.

“To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this. I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you, I really do,” he said.

“And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that, nobody.

“And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security you deserve.

“I promise you over the coming days you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.”

But Opposition Leader Kemi Badeoch, who opposed Sir Keir’s decision last week to recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations alongside Australia, Canada, France and others, said there were questions to be asked.

“Where have we gone wrong in the past, and what do we need to do to be better in the future?” she said.

“These are questions we urgently need to ask ourselves as a nation.

“Today’s murders raise new questions. And they will require new answers.”

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said that the Met would deploy extra police to Jewish neighbourhoods and synagogues in the capital.

The Community Security Trust, an organisation dedicated to the security of Jews in Britain and that monitors anti-semitic incidents, urged Jews not to congregate outside community sites.

“We urge people not to congregate outside communal premises and synagogues to keep their doors closed at all times,” the CST said in a statement.

Their latest reporting showed there were 1521 antisemitic incidents in the UK in the first six months of 2025. This was the second-highest number on record. The only time more antisemitic incidents were recorded was straight after Hamas’ October 7 terror attack, which started the ongoing war in Gaza.

King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened″ to learn of the attack “on such a significant day for the Jewish community.″

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,’′ he said in a statement posted on social media.

In Australia, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley led condemnation in a statement that she released before midnight to express her “grief” and “shock” at the “cowardly, evil attack.”

“The threat of terrorism requires continual vigilance and courage from our police and first responders,” Ms Ley said.

“To target worshippers and families as they gather together for the holiest period of the Jewish faith is despicable beyond words.

“To Britons reeling from this act of terror on their streets, I know Australians extend their deepest sadness, solidarity and compassion at this terrible time.”

“To Jewish people in Australia and around the world, this week of all weeks should be a period for families to feel free to come together in peace to participate in the ancient rites of repentance and atonement that mark Yom Kippur.

“This act of terror may cause many Jews around the world to be concerned about outwardly expressing their faith - it must not be allowed to do so.”

Just after 7.30am on Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the attacks.

“I send my condolences to the people of Manchester after the heinous attack on a synagogue on the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar.

“There is no place for terrorism in our streets and all Australians stand with the UK at this dreadful time.”