What steps is the UK now taking to ensure the safety of the Jewish community? | DW News

Manchester Terror Attack Summary

Key Concepts:

• Terrorist attack: Car ramming and stabbing incident targeting Jewish community.
• Synagogue: Place of worship for Jewish people, targeted in the attack.
• Yom Kippur: The holiest day in Judaism, a day of atonement and prayer.
• Increased security: Deployment of additional police resources to protect Jewish communities.
• Cobra meeting: Emergency meeting of the UK government to address the crisis.
• Community Security Trust (CST): Organization providing security for synagogues in the UK.
• Play: Police response to a major incident.
• Bomb disposal units: Specialized units dealing with potential explosive devices.

Incident Overview

• Two people were killed in a car ramming and stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, UK.
• The suspect was shot dead by police.
• Several others were seriously injured and are fighting for their lives.
• The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack.

Immediate Response

• British Prime Minister Kier Starmer expressed his shock and condemned the attack.
• He returned early from the EU summit in Copenhagen to chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
• Additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the UK to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
• Starmer spoke with Mark Gardner of the CST and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester.

On-the-Ground Report from Manchester

• The attack occurred on Middleton Road, a predominantly Jewish area in north Manchester.
• The area around the synagogue has been cordoned off.
• Many Jewish people were observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and were attending prayers at synagogues.
• The Jewish community is in shock and disbelief that such an attack could happen on a day of peace and reflection.
• There are reportedly six to eight synagogues in the immediate vicinity.

Security Measures

• Security has been significantly increased across the country, particularly around synagogues and other Jewish community centers.
• Increased police presence was observed at train stations and on the streets.
• The authorities are taking measures to ensure the safety of the Jewish community during the remainder of the Yom Kippur holiday.

London's Response

• The Metropolitan Police in London are deploying additional officers to protect holy sites, including synagogues and mosques.
• Protocols are in place within synagogues to respond to potential attacks.

Police Investigation

• Police have deployed "play," their response to a major incident.
• Emergency services arrived at the scene quickly.
• Local media reports that police are searching houses near the synagogue and that hospitals have been placed on lockdown.
• There are unverified social media reports and videos showing police shouting about a potential bomb and shooting at the suspect.
• Emergency services, police, and intelligence services are assessing the situation to determine if there is a wider threat.

Community Reaction

• Jewish leaders, including rabbis, have condemned the attack.
• The CST has called it an appalling attack.
• Muslim leaders and organizations, such as the Muslim Council of Britain, have also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The terrorist attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur has deeply shaken the Jewish community in the UK and prompted a nationwide response. Increased security measures are being implemented to protect Jewish communities, and investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the threat. The attack has been widely condemned by political, religious, and community leaders, who have expressed solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for vigilance and security measures to protect vulnerable communities.