The Guardian view on the Manchester synagogue attack: a tragic wake-up call for Britain | Editorial

"The attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester was outrageous. It took two innocent lives, and several others were injured. Yet it could have happened almost anywhere. It is an event with wider national meaning and lessons. On Thursday morning, Britain looked over the edge into one of the dark places to which modern public life has been heading. Having looked and seen, Britain now needs to learn and step back."

"The violence began around 9.30am, just as morning prayers were being held on Yom Kippur, Judaism's most solemn and sacred day. The synagogue was inevitably well attended. Yet within a short period of time, two Jewish victims lay dead from stabbing, with four others injured, outside what ought to be a place of prayer and community. The attacker was then himself shot and killed, possibly as he attempted to get inside the building."

"Greater Manchester police appear to have acted quickly, decisively and effectively. Synagogue security and worshippers played a brave part too an example of a heroism that has often marked the public response. What is beyond dispute is this: it was the most lethal attack on a synagogue in this country in modern times. It was a wholly unprovoked act of antisemitic terror. It was, however, grimly foreseen and feared. It ought to be a wake-up call to the wider nation."

An attacker carried out a stabbing attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation during Yom Kippur morning, killing two worshippers and wounding four others. The attacker was shot dead, possibly while attempting to enter the building, and may have carried an explosive device. Details remain incomplete. Greater Manchester police responded quickly and decisively, while synagogue security and worshippers showed bravery. The incident was the most lethal attack on a synagogue in modern British times and constituted a wholly unprovoked act of antisemitic terror. The event was foreseen and must serve as a wake-up call to strengthen protection for Jewish communities beyond routine security and policing.

Read at www.theguardian.com