On Wednesday, 2 October 2025, a violent attack took place at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester during a religious gathering. The incident, which occurred on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, has deeply shaken the local community and sent waves of grief and concern across the country and beyond.
Local authorities are investigating the motives behind this heinous act, while community and faith leaders call for unity, compassion, and resilience in the face of such violence. The tragedy underscores the urgent need to strengthen interfaith dialogue, counter all forms of hatred, and ensure the safety of sacred spaces.
URI UK Statement
In response, the Board of URI UK issued a heartfelt statement:
“The attack on innocent people attending Heaton Park synagogue is tragic, and made even more painful by taking place on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The perpetrator and those who supported him represent the very antithesis of what the United Religions Initiative stands for. Where URI promotes understanding, friendship, and solidarity between followers of different faiths, they seek only to divide.
This twisted worldview of ‘them and us,’ of insisting that one way is the only way, cannot and must not be allowed to triumph.
As we send our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Jewish community of Manchester, the Board of URI UK reaffirms and redoubles its commitment to action that fosters harmony, generates friendship, and cultivates a spirit of service that embraces all.”
Standing Firm in URI’s Purpose
The purpose of the United Religions Initiative is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings.
This tragic event is a painful reminder of why URI’s purpose is more urgent than ever. In moments of fear and division, URI stands with those who mourn, works to prevent religiously motivated violence, and redoubles efforts to build bridges of trust and cooperation among people of all backgrounds.
