Labour's Angela Rayner has sent her warmest wishes to Jewish communities across the UK ahead of Yom Kippur, with a particular message of solidarity for the Heaton Park community in Manchester as it prepares to observe the holy day one year after the deadly synagogue attack.
Rayner said:
Ahead of Yom Kippur beginning this evening, I want to send my warmest wishes to Jewish communities across the UK, and in particular to the Heaton Park community as they observe this sacred day whilst holding the memory of last year's tragic attack.
She added:
G'mar Chatimah Tovah to all those observing, and may the year ahead bring peace, strength and hope.
Community remembers 2025 terror attack
The message comes almost a year after the terrorist attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on 2 October 2025, which took place during Yom Kippur.
Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed, while three other men were seriously injured. Counter Terrorism Policing said the attacker drove a vehicle at members of the public before carrying out a knife attack outside the synagogue.
The Government later described the incident as an act of antisemitic terrorism targeting worshippers on Judaism's holiest day.
Heaton Park community marks anniversary
Last month, around 850 people gathered at Heaton Park Synagogue for a commemoration of the attack, including members of the Jewish community, families of those killed, civic leaders and elected representatives.
The gathering reflected the continuing impact of the attack on Jewish communities across Greater Manchester.
Yom Kippur is Judaism's holiest day
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar and is traditionally observed through fasting, prayer and reflection.
Rayner's message comes amid continuing concern over antisemitism and the security of Jewish communities in Britain following the Heaton Park attack.
