TV judge and presenter Rob Rinder has voiced his concerns and urged everyone to stand with the Jewish community following the attack on a Manchester synagogue that left two dead
Rob Rinder has urged the public to stand with the Jewish community after the atrocious Manchester synagogue attack. The TV presenter slammed the incident, which police have classed as a terrorism incident.
The car attack and stabbing has left five people injured and two dead. The suspected attacker was shot dead by officers and Greater Manchester Police had initially declared the attack a major incident.
Taking to Twitter/X following the tragedy, the 47-year-old TV presenter, who is Jewish, said: “On the holiest day of the year we are attacked at a Manchester synagogue. Our children walk to school behind barbed wire protected by guns.
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“Yet some still answer this atrocity with ‘what about…’ This is my country, the sanctuary my grandfather found after surviving the Holocaust, promising freedom under the rule of law.”
He went on to say he was praying for those involved and issued thanks to the “brave” who responded to the tragedy. Rob continued: “A community this small cannot stand alone.
“If you believe in Britain (wherever you’re from & whatever your faith) you must stand with us. Many Jews cannot imagine a future here and history tells us what follows when that happens.”
His followers were quick to let him know they stand with him and the community, with one user writing: “We do stand with you Rob……always.” Another added: “Decent people stand with you Rob. I walk my dogs in Heaton Park and have the utmost love and respect for the Jewish community. Terrible day.”
His comments echo other celebrities who have spoken out to condemn the scenes. Stacey Solomon was another TV star to speak out, saying she is “scared and heartbroken”.
The Loose Women panellist shared a powerful message on social media, saying: “It is heartbreaking to hear of the attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur. My thoughts & prayers are with everyone effected.
“I’m also thinking of anyone right now who feels scared for themselves & their loved ones just because of who they are. Being Jewish feels scary & that is heartbreaking.
“It goes without saying, although I’ve said this before, My thoughts are also with the innocent people in Gaza. Being proudly Jewish & being against the horrific attack today does not cancel the other.
“I realise no matter what I say. Someone somewhere won’t like it. But all I really have to say is that none of this is ok.”
Following the attack, a cordon was placed around the Heaton Park synagogue, where armed police, paramedics, a bomb disposal unit and firefighters remain on scene.
A GMP spokesperson said in a statement: “First and foremost, my thoughts, and those of my officers and staff, are with the families of the loved ones who have been affected by today’s horrific incident, on what is the Jewish community’s holiest day: Yom Kippur.
“This has been officially declared as a terrorist incident, and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorist Police. As has been confirmed by CT policing, we believe that the identity of the offender has been established but until we are certain of this fact, it is premature to set out this detail. In addition, I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries are ongoing.
“We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack. Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers, within seven minutes of the initial call.
“Four further people remain in hospital, having suffered a variety of serious injuries and their treatment is ongoing and our thoughts remain with them at this time.”
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