World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned an attack on a synagogue, Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, in Manchester, in northwestern England, on 2 October, where two people were killed outside the synagogue in a vehicle ramming and stabbing attack on Yom Kippur.
The attack occurred in an area of Manchester that is home to many Orthodox Jews. Approximately 30,000 Jewish people reside in Manchester, the largest Jewish community in the United Kingdom outside of London.
“The assault is an egregious and unacceptable act of terror against innocent people gathered for a holy day,” said Pillay. “We extend condolences and prayers for all those who lost loved ones and who were traumatized by this senseless act.”
Pillay added that “The international community must continue to support peacebuilding and reconciliation across the world. We must reject extremism in all its forms and join in prayer and action for justice, healing, and lasting peace.”
Source: oikoumene.org
