Prime Minister Andy Burnham has assured Britain's Jewish community "we stand with you" against antisemitism on the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel. Mr Burnham described a rise in antisemitic behaviour in the UK since the 2023 attack as "disturbing", but pledged that his Government is "committed to protecting our citizens from vile hatred".
Heaton Park attack remembered
The Makerfield MP referenced the attack on Greater Manchester's Jewish community just over a year ago, when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester and began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt. Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds and fellow worshipper Adrian Daulby, 53, was killed by a bullet fired by armed police as he blocked the synagogue doors when Al-Shamie tried to get in.
Syrian-born UK citizen Al-Shamie was shot dead seconds later by police during the attack which took place on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the year for Jews, during which Mr Burnham held the position as the Mayor of Greater Manchester. In the wake of the attack Jewish communities have stepped up their security operation, particularly on the anniversary of the deadly attack.
Rise in antisemitic incidents
Since the attack, Jewish people in Greater Manchester have had to face a stark rise in antisemitism, with more than 200 incidents of extreme violence, assault, damage, desecration, threats, abusive or antisemitic literature recorded in the first six months of 2026.
It comes after two Iranian men were charged with an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community in Manchester last week, with a court hearing they are alleged to have conducted "hostile reconnaissance" at Heaton Park Synagogue and the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill.
Data from the Community Security Trust (CST), published in August, suggested antisemitism in the UK spiked in the immediate aftermath of the US and Israel launching their war on Iran and following a double stabbing of two visibly Jewish men in London.
The CST, which monitors antisemitism, said its research showed there were 1,926 antisemitic incidents recorded across the UK in January to June of 2026 – up by a fifth on the first half of last year and the second-highest total reported to CST in the first six months of any year. This was exceeded only by the 2,019 incidents recorded in the first half of 2024 – which followed the 2023 Hamas attacks and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza.
Prime Minister's pledge
In a statement, Mr Burnham said: "Three years on from the October 7 attacks on Israel, we remember those who were senselessly killed by Hamas terrorists.
"The impact of the attacks has been felt not just in Israel, but in Jewish communities across the world who still bear the burden of the tragic events that day. In the years since, we have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitic behaviour in the UK.
"A year ago we witnessed a horrifying terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, with further attacks against Jewish people and institutions since.
"I want Britain's Jewish community to hear this from me directly: We stand with you. Abuse and violence against you, in any form, will not be tolerated. Not on our streets, not online, not in our schools or universities.
"That's why we are funding protection for synagogues, schools and community buildings, and why we will come down hard on antisemitism wherever it is found – in classrooms, on campuses and in neighbourhoods.
"At home, we are committed to protecting our citizens from vile hatred. Abroad, we continue to work towards a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security.
"An attack on Jewish people in Britain is an attack on all of us. Antisemitism has no place in this country, and we will do everything we can to stamp it out."
On Yom Kippur, the Prime Minister reflected on the Heaton Park attack and pledged unwavering support against antisemitism and that the government stands with the Jewish community.
