Statement from the Syrian Community in the UK on the Tragic Attack in Crumpsall

Statement from the Syrian Community in the UK

on the Tragic Attack in Crumpsall

The Syrian community in the United Kingdom extends its deepest condolences to the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK following today’s tragic stabbing at a synagogue in Crumpsall. We are horrified by this attack, and we stand in full solidarity with our Jewish neighbours as they grieve. That such violence was carried out in a sacred place of worship, and on Yom Kippur—the holiest day of the Jewish year—makes this tragedy all the more painful. We stress unequivocally that houses of worship must remain places of peace, safety, and sanctity, never targets of hate or violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community during this most difficult time.

As Syrians, we know this pain all too well. For over 15 years, Syrians of all faiths have endured devastating attacks on mosques, churches, and sacred spaces. We have buried loved ones, mourned in silence, and lived with the scars. Violence against innocent people—especially in places of worship—is something we stand firmly against, wherever it happens.

At this stage, no one within our Syrian community networks—neither within nor beyond Manchester—has been able to identify the individual involved in this attack or confirm knowing him personally.

We appeal to our wider society not to allow this tragedy to give rise to racist incidents directed at Syrians, Muslims, or migrants. Violence must not be met with further division or hatred. At the same time, we hope this incident will not be misused to impose restrictions on freedom of expression—particularly the right to peacefully protest and speak out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The Syrian community stands alongside the Jewish community in rejecting violence, and we recommit ourselves to building a society where every community can live in dignity, security, and mutual trust.

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