Jewish community 'in shock' over synagogue attack

Congregation chair Jennifer Clements had to break the news to her congregation

Members of the Jewish community have been left "in a state of shock" following a terror attack on the holiest day of the year.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by armed police in Manchester after driving a car through a crowd and stabbing victims at a synagogue on Thursday morning.

The terror attack, which left two people dead and three others seriously injured, happened on Yom Kippur - a sacred day of Jewish prayer and atonement.

Jennifer Clements, chair of Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation, said messages of sympathy and support had flooded in since the "horrible tragedy".

She said: "We are all absolutely heartbroken that this has happened to our fellow Jews.

"We send our condolences and prayers to those families."

Ms Clements said she knew something was wrong when police arrived outside her synagogue

Ms Clements said her congregation was attending an all-day service at their synagogue in Easton with their phones switched off when the news broke.

"Unfortunately I could see something was going on because the police had turned up outside," she said.

"I was called out and notified. I had to come in and inform the congregation there had been this tragic incident in Manchester.

"We were in a state of shock. Words can't really express... this pointless act that achieves nothing."

Ms Clements said those who had family in Manchester rushed out of the building.

Messages of support have flooded in since the attack

Later, a stranger knocked on the door of their synagogue offering a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt condolence.

"That simple act of kindness was so appreciated by those who are trying to absorb this awful news," she said.

"Not only am I in a strong Jewish family but I'm in a wider community of families that all want to work together and support each other to live a peaceful existence with respect for all."

Iris, who travels from Wiltshire to attend a synagogue in Bristol, said the outpouring of support had made her feel "reassured and humbled" by the community around her.

"Hatred doesn't bring any resolution but seeing people reach out and focus on the shared humanity, that is really touching," she said.

"We have many people involved in interfaith groups in Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire and through those organisations we are able to get to know each other better and build trust.

"That trust pays off when something horrible happens."

'Horror and distress'

Rabbi Anna Gerrard, from Three Counties synagogue which serves Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, said the community felt especially "targeted" over the timing.

"That it happened in the middle of Yom Kippur - this incredibly important, solemn and holy day - it was shocking, it was horrifying," she explained.

"There's a real horror and distress at the thought somebody chose to do this on Yom Kippur."

Rabbi Gerrard acknowledged the community was "rightfully scared" over the incident in Manchester but she urged people to "look outwards" at times of unease.

"How do we reach each other?" she said.

"Connect with other faith communities and try to cultivate better understanding. It can't carry on like this."

'Sense of shock'

Gloucestershire Police officers spent time with members of the Jewish community in Cheltenham after the attack in Manchester.

Supt James Glansfield said there was "a real sense of shock" among Jews who were out celebrating Yom Kippur.

He said: "We know that unfortunately these events do attract additional hatred towards individuals.

"We want to stamp out that behaviour as soon as possible, but the only way we can do that is to be aware of it and take robust action."

He added additional patrols would be carried out in the area over the coming days to "provide reassurance" to the public.

Muslim group leader Deela Shafi says more "proactive work" must be done to bring communities together

Prof Deela Shafi, from The Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group (BMSLG), said the attack had "unfortunately been brewing" amidst rising global conflict.

"We're seeing palpable division on our streets on a day-to-day," she said.

"Leaders need to do more to bring communities together. How long are we going to let this ride out?

"It's not going away and we need to do much more proactive work to come together and unify ourselves. What values do we all share? What do we have in common?"