Ben Gilchrist

To our brothers and sisters at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation,

As someone part of community work in Manchester, including that of GM Citizens, I write to express deep sorrow and a commitment to stand with you in solidarity at this time of grief and pain. The horrific attack that has taken place has shocked and saddened all of us across Greater Manchester Citizens. That this attack has come during Yom Kippur — the most sacred day of the Jewish year, a day of prayer, reflection and reconciliation — makes it all the more painful.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with you. An attack on a synagogue is an attack on the values we hold dear across our city-region: safety, human dignity, and the right to worship freely without fear.

We extend our heartfelt and deepest condolences to those who have been injured, to the loved ones of the victims, and to the whole congregation who now carry this pain.

Greater Manchester has always been a place of solidarity and strength. We will not let hatred divide us and we will stand together, regardless of faith or background, to work for the common good. We hope this tragedy will not deepen division but instead we must work to strengthen the ties of friendship and shared humanity that unite our communities across Greater Manchester.

Please know that we are here for you — in mourning, in prayer, and in solidarity.

With heartfelt sympathy.