Luton Borough Council

03/10/2025 - Community statement on Manchester synagogue attack

Last night (2 October), representatives from various community and faith groups, education organisations, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the council - came together as part of its ongoing commitment to protect and strengthen community cohesion in the town.

In response to the appalling and shocking attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester yesterday, and in the context of its work bring the whole community together to reject all forms of prejudice, racism, hatred and extremism, the group has united to condemn the attack and affirm that there is no place for hate in Luton.

Speaking on behalf of the group;

Expressing his sympathy and solidarity with the Jewish Community in Manchester, in Luton as well as across the United Kingdom, the Chair of Luton Council of Faiths, Prof Zafar Khan said, “Luton's faith communities have always unequivocally condemned, in strongest terms, any such acts of violent extremism against innocent people, and any attack on a place of worship is attack on all. Hatred targeting any community because of its faith and belief is a scourge that must not be and cannot be tolerated. Together, we must strengthen our resolve to continue working together with even greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred, and for peace and unity in our world.”

Luton Council Leader, Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, said, "We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of the despicable attack at a synagogue in Greater Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this appalling act of violence.

It is heart breaking that people were targeted and killed while at worship, and especially on Yom Kippur, a holy day of reflection and peace.

Our thanks go to the first responders; and we urge everyone not to speculate and allow the police to carry out their investigations. I would also like to thank Bedfordshire Police who have increased patrols in the community and to synagogues in the county to ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish community, and with people of all faiths, in rejecting hatred and extremism in all forms. Luton is a town built on compassion and respect and by standing together we will continue to show that solidarity is stronger than hate. An attack on any of our diverse communities is an attack on us all and we stand with them on this sombre day”.