‘Attacked Jews because they are Jews’: PM Starmer condemns ‘vile’ synagogue assault in Manchester

London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned the "vile" antisemitic attack outside a Manchester synagogue, in which two people were killed and four seriously injured on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Speaking after chairing an emergency security meeting on Thursday, the Prime Minister described the attack as a targeted assault on the Jewish community.

“The assailant attacked Jews because they are Jews,” said Starmer, adding that the country must come together to confront and defeat the growing threat of antisemitism.

The attack occurred when a man drove a car into worshippers outside the synagogue before exiting the vehicle and stabbing multiple people. Authorities confirmed two fatalities and four serious injuries. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

Starmer, who leads the Labour government, pledged to boost security for Jewish communities and stressed the importance of national unity and compassion.

“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love,”

Starmer said in an emotional address.

“I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong.”

The Prime Minister also reflected on Britain’s history as a refuge for Jewish families fleeing persecution, particularly during the Holocaust.

“Jews came here after fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicteda on a people,” he said, referring to the genocide of six million Jews during World War II.