The Charity Commission has said it is ready to support the sector following a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester, which is being treated as a terrorist incident.
A large number of people were worshipping at the Heaton Park synagogue on Thursday during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, when police received reports about a car being driven towards members of the public outside the synagogue and a man being stabbed.
Two people died following the attack while three others are in hospital in a serious condition. The attacker was shot dead by police while three other people were arrested. One of those who died is believed to have been mistakenly shot dead by police.
Greater Manchester Police has said that inquiries are moving at pace to determine the circumstances around the incident.
The attacker was prevented from entering the synagogue, operated by the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation charity, due to security staff and worshippers intervening, police confirmed.
‘Ready to support charities’
Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth published a statement in response to the attack and defended the importance of charities to communities across the country.
He said: “Our thoughts are with those directly affected, and the wider Jewish community, after this abhorrent attack on a holy day.
“This attack is all the more abhorrent as it targeted people of faith and those serving in a charity simply for attending their place of worship.
“Violence and hatred have no place in our communities and society. Violence can never be justified and can never be excused.
“Charities are at the heart of communities across the country improving millions of lives daily.
“We as the regulator will robustly defend their right to do so and stand ready to support charities as they do what they do best – bring communities together, protect society’s most vulnerable and work to make our country and world a better place.”
Meanwhile, Jewish security charity CST said it was appalled by the attack and devastated by the news that two people were killed and three others seriously injured.
“This kind of attack is the reason why we have such extensive security in place across the Jewish community, and we thank all CST volunteers, security guards, and police officers who play their part in protecting our community from terrorism and antisemitism,” it said in a statement.
The commission published guidance last year for charities impacted by violence during the time of the riots and public disorder following the Southport attack.
Further guidance from the commission about the best ways charities can protect themselves can be found here.
