Milton Keynes political leaders offer support to city’s Jewish community following Manchester terrorist attack
Political leaders across Milton Keynes have offered their support to the city’s Jewish community following a terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday October 2.
Two Jewish people were killed during an incident in which a man drove a car towards members of the public and stabbed a man at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue yesterday.
Three people remain in hospital following the incident, with one being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Police arrived at the scene within minutes and shot dead the suspect a few minutes later.
The attack coincided with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Thames Valley Police announced today that additional patrols are in place at Jewish places of worship across the region including the Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue at Giffard Park.
Following the terrorist attack, the city’s three Members of Parliament Callum Anderson, Emily Darlington and Chris Curtis, and council leader Pete Marland have all condemned the incident and extended a message of support to Milton Keynes’ Jewish community.
MP for Buckingham and Bletchley Callum Anderson said: “I’m sickened and outraged by the vile attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
“That it happened on Yom Kippur makes it even more disgraceful.
“This was an assault on a community at prayer and on the values we all hold dear.
“My thoughts are with those affected, and with Jewish communities locally.
“We will not let hate divide us.”
Leader of Milton Keynes City Council Pete Marland added: “Our hearts go out to the Jewish community in Milton Keynes and across the country following the horrific terrorist attacks in Manchester yesterday, on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
“Milton Keynes City Council stands firmly against all acts of hatred and terror, and we will continue to work closely with our local community leaders to offer support and reassurance."