Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group response to attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester

We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday’s violent attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, Manchester.

Our thoughts are with the families affected and we stand in solidarity with the affected worshippers, their families, and the wider Jewish community, who faced an unconscionable attack on Yom Kippur.

The voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector in Greater Manchester, as always, stands with our diverse communities and against violence, and we will continue to play an active part in the response, support our faith communities, and commit ourselves to standing against hate wherever it arises.

We are also deeply concerned about the ongoing increase in intolerance in our society, including prejudice on the basis of race, sexual orientation, religion, and other identities. We stand in solidarity with all who are affected.

The latest updates from Greater Manchester Police on yesterday’s incident are available on their website: www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/

To the sector, who are often among the first port of call in a crisis, we hope your staff are safe and supported at this distressing time. Greater Manchester Resilience Hub provide a critical incident and trauma service to all VCFSE staff, as well as health and care staff. Visit here for details: penninecare.nhs.uk/gmrh-staff

The Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group

We are a Leadership Group dedicated to promoting the role and involvement of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE)sector in Greater Manchester.

View the full list of our members: www.vcfseleadershipgm.org.uk/who-we-are