Synagogue Attack in Manchester Prompts Calls for Increased Security for UK Jewish Community
A deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester yesterday has reignited concerns about antisemitism and security within the UK’s Jewish community, prompting calls for stronger government action and increased vigilance.
The incident, which occurred on the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, resulted in the deaths of Adrian Daulby, a volunteer security guard, and Melvin Cravitz, a member of the congregation. Three others were seriously injured when a vehicle was driven into the synagogue gates, followed by a knife attack on worshippers. Community volunteers and private security personnel initially intervened to restrain the assailant. This attack underscores a growing trend of antisemitic incidents following the October 7th, 2023 attacks on Israel.
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity working closely with police to protect Jewish institutions, reported a record 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the UK during the first half of 2025, with 51% linked to events in Israel and Gaza. “Police will never have the resources to protect every Jewish building, so we have this partnership providing collectively a security infrastructure for the Jewish community which sadly has been in place for many years,” said CST director of policy Dave Rich. Marc Levy, head of Greater Manchester’s Jewish Representative Council, stated, “Our fears and concerns have regularly been diminished and not acted upon.” Similar concerns are being voiced in France, where armed police regularly guard Jewish schools and synagogues following previous attacks, such as the 2015 attack on a Jewish supermarket in Paris. You can learn more about the CST’s work here.
Greater Manchester Police have increased patrols, but Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson acknowledged that this heightened level of security cannot be sustained indefinitely. Jewish leaders are now urging the government to address the root causes of antisemitism and provide more comprehensive support. Claudia Mendoza, head of the Jewish Leadership Council, believes there has been a failure to confront violent extremist language. The incident has sparked fear within the community, with many questioning the future for Jews in the UK, but also a renewed determination to remain resilient, as evidenced by a surge in volunteer applications to the CST. For more information on rising antisemitism globally, see the Anti-Defamation League website.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack and have pledged to review security measures at Jewish institutions nationwide.
