A Jewish leader has accused ‘virtue-signalling politicians’ of exacerbating extremism following a terrorist attack that resulted in two deaths at a synagogue.
In a critical statement, Gideon Falter, the chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, claimed that the blood of British Jews is in part due to police chiefs, universities, and the BBC.
He referred to Thursday’s assault at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as an ‘inevitable result’ of the ‘radicalisation’ that has been permitted to spread throughout the nation.
At least two Jewish people were killed and four others seriously injured in the car and knife attack that unfolded at 9.31am on Thursday.
The terrorist, appearing to wear an explosive device, was shot dead by police within seven minutes of the initial 999 call.
Reacting to the attack, Mr. Falter stated: ‘The blood of British Jews is on the hands of virtue-signalling politicians who have contributed to extremism through their posturing and appeasement, police forces and leaders who haven’t addressed the mobs on our streets, universities and schools that have tolerated incitement, the BBC with their bias and ethical failure, essentially acting as spokespeople for Hamas, whom they still do not recognize as terrorists, and regulators like the Charity Commission that have inadequately addressed dangerous rhetoric at mosques.’
‘We need firm and urgent action on each of these fronts, otherwise it is inevitable that yet more innocents will be murdered on our streets.’
The attacker was caught on camera armed with a knife trying to get into the synagogue moments before he was shot by armed police
Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism stated that the blood of British Jews is in part due to police chiefs, universities, and the BBC.
Rabbi Daniel Walker (pictured right) leapt into action after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue came under attack
He added: ‘Today’s attack was made inevitable by the radicalisation and Islamist extremism that have been allowed to spread by successive governments, which have ignored every warning and done practically nothing to tackle it.
‘Now, the blood of British Jews cries out from the ground.’
Among those seriously hurt is believed to be a security guard who put himself in harms way to help stop the ‘marauding’ terrorist from entering the synagogue.
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Sir Stephen Watson said the bravery of security staff and worshippers had stopped the knifeman from entering the building.
A car was driven into a crowd before the male driver started stabbing people at 9.31am on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The suspect was shot dead within seven minutes of the initial call to the emergency services, chief constable Watson said.
The force confirmed tonight the vest the terror suspect was wearing was ‘not viable’.
Two people were later arrested by armed police just streets away from where the onslaught took place.
A knifeman has been killed by police following the terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester (pictured is a member of the Army’s bomb disposal team checking the attacker)
Mr Falter continued: ‘Those who were murdered today were simply going to synagogue to pray on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
‘It has been a long time since British Jews had faith in our politicians, police and institutions.
‘Their appeasement of extremists — especially those of the far-left and radical Islamists — is what has made today’s attack inevitable.
‘The eyes of the Jewish people worldwide and decent Britons across the country now turn to Downing Street, not for thoughts and prayers or empty declarations that antisemitism has no place in Britain, but to hear what concrete, forceful measures will now be enacted.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
Rabbi Walker was hailed a ‘hero’ for calmly shutting the doors of the synagogue after the terrorist ‘started stabbing everyone he could get to’.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Chava Lewin said: ‘Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm, he shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside.
‘He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero, this could have been even worse.’
Shortly after police shot the the man, Rabbi Walker was seen outside, his white kittel – the traditional robes worn by Jewish religious leaders – seemingly covered in blood.
Worshipper Rob Kanter, 45, was in the barricaded synagogue and told how Rabbi Walker was providing as much pastoral support as he could.
He described the terrifying moment the Heaton Park Shul was placed into lockdown – but said most of those inside were able to remain calm.
‘We knew there was a commotion because we had already made sure all of the doors and windows were shut,’ he said.
A bomb disposal expert from the British Army’s 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment is seen investigating the device worn by the terrorist
As the Jewish community went into mourning, tonight pro Palestine protestors were seen marching through Manchester while being surrounded by police
‘I would say the mood amongst our fellow congregants was very calm. Everyone deals with these things in their own way, but generally, everyone was very calm and dignified.’
He said the worshippers evacuated across Middleton Road to a nearby relief centre.
‘The rabbi was providing as much pastoral support in the circumstances as he could,’ he said.
‘We’ve obviously got to police quarters, and we continued to do part of the service, because at the end of the day, of course, it’s awkward and it’s difficult and people have got a multitude of emotions going on, but we carried on.
‘We did not the whole service, but we did what we could in the circumstances.
‘Your mind’s on many things, but our Rabbi’s role was to try and say “yes, this is a terrible tragedy, but at the end of the day, we want to try where possible to remember today is the Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement” and we did as much as we could as a group.’
Sir Keir last night vowed to the Jewish community that he would do ‘everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve’.
The premier said there would be a more visible police presence and that Britain ‘will come together to wrap our arms around your community’.
He offered his condolences to the families and victims of the atrocity before adding: ‘I want to thank the Greater Manchester police, the first responders and those dedicated security specialists, there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery.’
