Chief Rabbi Mirvis

Chag Sameach!

Once again, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Counter Terrorism Policing, Greater Manchester Police, the security services and CST. Were it not for their vigilance, professionalism and dedication, the consequences of this alleged plot could have been devastating.

Our community needs no further reminders of the dangerous reality in which we now live. But news like this only reinforces our determination to ensure that fear will never define us. We will continue to worship, celebrate and contribute to our country with gratitude and confidence.

A "suspected terrorist plot" to target the Jewish community in Manchester, UK, is believed to have been foiled after two men were arrested on Sunday, police have said. Read more: https://bbc.in/4cZFZoI

Having spent a very moving Yom Kippur in Heaton Park, marking the first anniversary of the deadly terrorist attack on the Manchester synagogue, it is truly heartbreaking to learn of another attack outside a synagogue in Ontario, Canada. We pray for the police officer who was seriously injured while protecting Jewish congregants, and salute his courage.

We also mourn the loss of Netanel Chkroun z”l, who was murdered in a terrorist attack in Samaria on the eve of Yom Kippur.

Across continents, these events are a painful reminder that, tragically, the freedom for Jews to gather, pray and live in safety can never be taken for granted.

My thoughts as we mark the first anniversary of the Heaton Park terrorist attack.

Full article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/18/chief-rabbi-anti-semitism-interview/

Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation are launching their Unity Sefer Torah - dedicated in memory of Melvin Cravitz הי״ד and Adrian Daulby הי״ד who were murdered in the Yom Kippur terror attack last year.

They are asking that the community take part in this special project.

Link to full details here: https://www.hphc.org.uk/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6874989/jewish/Unity-Sefer-Torah.htm

On Yom Kippur 2025, a terrorist attacked in a Manchester synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar and two men – Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53 – were killed.

This Yom Kippur, as twilight descends, Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis will again be leading those prayers, but at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester with the survivors and the bereaved of that shocking attack.

🔗: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/18/chief-rabbi-anti-semitism-interview/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_fb_photo

This year, I have composed a special prayer to be recited at Yizkor time on Yom Kippur, which marks the first anniversary of the Heaton Park Synagogue attack.

For a printable version, visit https://chiefrabbi.org/yizkor-memorial-prayer-yom-kippur-5787/