Horrific attack outside a Synagogue in Manchester - Standing Against Violence, Standing for Justice

This morning’s horrific attack outside a synagogue, on the holy day of Yom Kippur, in which innocent lives were taken and others seriously injured, is utterly shocking and heartbreaking. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community who are mourning and feeling fear in this moment.

As Muslims, we believe in the sanctity of every innocent life. Such acts of violence are abhorrent and can never be justified.

At this time, we don't know the ethnicity or faith of the perpetrator and as a reminder, whenever the background of the individual does emerge, the crime of one individual must never be projected onto an entire faith, ethnicity, or community. To do so only fuels division and hatred at a time when we need solidarity and compassion.

At the same time, we must be clear: this atrocity should not be used to delegitimise or silence the peaceful protests taking place across the UK and around the world against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. One can hold both positions together: to oppose injustice and mass killing abroad, while also standing firmly against any act of violence or terror here at home.

May God grant healing to the injured, comfort to the bereaved, and guide us all to uphold justice and peace, both home and abroad.