Vigil took place at a difficult moment

October 2025

The vigil took place two days after the killing of two Jewish men and the injury of three others at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at Crumpsell, Greater Manchester. The terrorist act was carried out by Jihad Al-Shamie. The attack shocked the nation and the Prime Minister had to fly back from a security conference in Copenhagen to attend a COBRA* meeting. It has brought to light the degree of anti-Semitism that Jews are experiencing with many receiving threats and abuse. It later emerged that one of the dead was shot by a police marksman when a bullet went through the door of the synagogue. Synagogues have to have considerable security to protect people attending. The levels of abuse have increased since the October 7th attack in Israel.

Here is a video of the vigil.

The attack sparked a debate concerning events such as this vigil and the national demonstration planned in London in support of Palestine and an end to the war in Gaza. There were many who argued that such events should be postponed in view of the Manchester killing. Others argued that the war continues in Gaza and over 50 more were killed on the day of the Manchester attack.

The other key event was a proposed peace plan agreed between Presidents Trump and Netanyahu following the latter’s trip to Washington last week. The plan has 20 points but it was not discussed with any Palestinian present. Hamas are reported to be considering the plan and indirect talks are planned on Sunday 5th in Cairo to discuss it. The plan made no mention of a Palestinian state.

Haaretz reports the death toll in Gaza has reached 67,000. More have died of starvation. Over 30 attended the vigil.

* A COBRA meeting is a gathering of senior government officials and other key figures to discuss and respond to a national emergency.  These meetings are convened when there is a situation that requires immediate and coordinated action from multiple government departments and agencies. It stands for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A and refers to the location where the meetings are held.