Leaders condemn antisemitic attack on synagogue in Crumpsall

Friday, 3 October 2025 12:45

By David Murphy

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

Greater Manchester’s political leaders have issued a joint statement after an antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall left worshippers dead and injured.

Community leaders across Greater Manchester have spoken out in unity after a “cowardly” attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue.

In a strongly worded joint statement, Mayor Andy Burnham, deputy mayor Kate Green and council leaders from across the city region described the incident as “a horrific antisemitic attack on a community at prayer”.

They paid tribute to the emergency services, with Greater Manchester Police, fire crews and paramedics praised for arriving at the scene within minutes and providing urgent care. The Community Security Trust was also thanked for the rapid actions of its volunteers.

The statement stressed that Greater Manchester “will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked” and warned against attempts to divide people through acts of hatred. Leaders highlighted the mobilisation of the region’s interfaith networks, which have been offering solidarity and reassurance to places of worship.

The incident happened on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, leaving many residents shaken and fearful. Leaders urged communities to “look out for each other, to check in on each other and to stand together” in the aftermath.

Council chiefs from Rochdale, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and Bolton all added their names to the message, underlining the city region’s commitment to unity and resilience.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester
Councillor Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council
Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of Bury Council
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council
Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council
Paul Dennett, City Mayor, Salford City Council
Councillor Mark Roberts, Stockport Council
Councillor Eleanor Wills, Executive Leader of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council
Councillor David Molyneux, Leader of Wigan Council