Hounslow Leaders Shantanu Rajawat condemn attack at Manchester Synagogue

Hounslow Leaders Shantanu Rajawat condemn attack at Manchester Synagogue
Credit: hounslowlabour.co.uk, chiswickcalendar.co.uk

Hounslow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hounslow Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat and the local Conservative Group have condemned the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.

At 9.31 a.m., a member of the public reported that he had seen a car being driven at people and that one guy had been stabbed, prompting police to be called to the synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall.

Police continued to receive complaints from the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife, so at 9.34 am, firearms officers were sent in.

At 9.37 a.m., Greater Manchester Police reported PLATO and a serious incident.

Three persons, including the perpetrator, were declared dead by police this afternoon after being shot by GMP Firearms officers.

As a precaution, specialized resources entered the suspect’s vehicle, causing a loud commotion at the scene of the significant incident.

A large number of people worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident were held inside while the immediate area was made safe before being evacuated.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said:

“We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities.

We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue.

We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.

We will continue to provide updates as we can, but I would ask anyone who believes they may have a loved one involved in today’s incident, please use the Casualty Bureau information in the first instance.

I would further ask anyone who may have images or footage relating to today’s incident, refrains from circulating them on social media – please do share directly with GMP.’’

Cllr Rajawat said:

‘‘I am shocked and saddened to hear about the appalling incident that took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester today. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific violence and the Jewish community here in Hounslow.  

On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish Calendar, we stand together with our Jewish neighbours and offer our condolences and compassion to them.  

I am incredibly proud to lead a borough as diverse as Hounslow: our strength lies in the fact that we live, work and grow side by side, with respect, understanding and unity. 

I want to reassure everyone who lives, works or studies in Hounslow that we stand firmly against hatred, racism and division.’’

The statement issued by Hounslow Conservative Group said:

‘We are shocked and deeply saddened by the appalling attacks in Manchester today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.

This attack, coming on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a day of prayer, reflection, and reconciliation — is particularly shocking and cruel. We stand in full solidarity with the Jewish community in Manchester, here in Hounslow, and across the country.

Such an assault on people at prayer is an assault on all of us. We utterly condemn this act of hatred and reaffirm our commitment to defending the right of every community to worship in peace and security.

We also pay tribute to the emergency services and first responders who acted with such courage and professionalism.

‘In Hounslow, we will continue to work closely with our Jewish community, with other faith and community leaders, and with the police to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported. ‘Now more than ever, we must stand together against hatred and division.’’

Have Hounslow council offered support to local Jewish communities?

Hounslow Council has voiced its public support for the Jewish community. Notably after news about an attack against the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, as the Council Leader, issued a statement expressing disbelief and sadness about the attack while reaffirming the council’s commitment to oppose hate, racism, and division. 

He mentioned togetherness and respect for all the communities in Hounslow and expressed his condolences to the Jewish community.

The council has been criticized, in the past, for cancelling the Jewish Living Exhibition. An event aimed to educate the wider community about Jewish life and customs.