THE president of the Jersey Jewish Congregation has expressed her community’s “shock, horror and sadness” following a terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue on Thursday, which took place on the holiest day in the faith’s calendar.
Martha Bernstein said that it is “incredibly heartbreaking” but “unfortunately not surprising” that Jews had become a target of antisemitic violence.
“The basic thought of all UK Jews is one of shock, horror and sadness,” she said.
“Most of us had thought it was a case of when, not if, before yesterday, although we had all hoped and prayed it would not happen on Yom Kippur,” Mrs Bernstein added.
The attack happened at Heaton Park Synagogue on Thursday afternoon. Two people have been confirmed dead, and several others were injured and remain in hospital.
The attacker was reportedly shot dead by police at the scene and was later named as a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Mrs Bernstein explained the moment her community became aware an incident had taken place during prayer, and there was a “great deal of anxiety” soon after while congregation members attempted to contact family members in Manchester.
Fortunately, she said she was not aware of any of her congregation having direct contact with any of the injured; however, one member did have relations at the Heaton Park synagogue at the time. They escaped unharmed.
“That member’s relative could easily have been walking in at the time [of the attack],” Mrs Bernstein said. “Luckily they were already inside, but it just shows that we’re all one step away from it.”
Expressing her solidarity with the Jewish community in the UK, Mrs Bernstein added: “Metaphorically, we stand shoulder to shoulder with those Jews in the United Kingdom.”
She explained that her congregation is “constantly looking over their shoulders,” as fear grows about antisemitic violence following Thursday’s incident.
Describing her hope for a more cohesive multi-faith society, Mrs Bernstein said: “We really have to accept each other and get on if we want peace and harmony.”
Jersey has an estimated 150 people in its Jewish community – around 0.001% of the island’s population.
Showing his support, Jersey’s Chief Minister took to social media to condemn the “appalling” attack in Manchester and express solidarity with people of Jewish faith against antisemitism.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham wrote on X: “I condemn today’s appalling terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, which has tragically claimed lives and injured others on Yom Kippur.”
“My deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community at this most difficult time. The Government of Jersey stands in full solidarity against antisemitism, terrorism, and hatred in all its forms.”
Following the incident, the States of Jersey Police have been conducting high-visibility patrols to reassure Islanders and the local Jewish community.
The force confirmed that despite there being “no intelligence or information to suggest any threat to Jersey’s synagogue, or to any members of our Jewish community,” they would be patrolling in “key areas.”
The Counter Terrorism unit has also been notified as part of “standard protocol,” police said.
