Havering Council Leader Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack, Supports Jewish Community

Key Points

• A violent attack took place on Thursday, 2 October 2025, outside the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
• The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, a very significant day in the Jewish calendar.
• Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, publicly condemned the attack, describing it as “shocking and terrible.”
• The Havering community and council stand in solidarity with all those of the Jewish faith within the borough.
• Local officers showed support by joining worshippers at the Romford District Synagogue on Yom Kippur.
• The council affirmed its commitment to keeping Havering a calm and cohesive borough.
• Authorities, including police and security services, are expected to bring those responsible to justice.
• The broader community in Havering continues to respect and support their Jewish neighbours.

What Happened During the Synagogue Attack in Manchester?

As reported by The Havering Daily on 3 October 2025, the attack occurred on Thursday, 2 October, outside the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester. This grievous incident coincided with Yom Kippur, one of the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar, heightening the emotional impact for the Jewish community nationally and locally.

The attack was described by local authorities and community leaders as not only violent but deeply shocking because of its timing and target, which represents a sad affront to communal harmony.

How Did Havering Council Leader Respond to the Attack?

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, issued a strong condemnation of the attack, stating:

“The attack against the Jewish community in Manchester is both shocking and terrible, even more so because it is a very significant day in the Jewish calendar. My thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this awful event,”

he said in a statement reported by the Havering Council official website.

He further affirmed the council’s solidarity:

“No community should be subject to such a tragic event, and this council stands in solidarity with all those of the Jewish faith within Havering. We will continue our work to ensure that Havering remains a calm and cohesive borough. This kind of appalling attack has no place in any community, and we hope the police and security services bring those responsible to justice”.

How Is the Local Community Showing Support to the Jewish Community?

The Havering Daily reported that local officers joined worshippers at the Romford District Synagogue on Yom Kippur, providing visible support to the Jewish community on a day of great religious significance. Worshippers expressed appreciation for this support and commended the broader community’s respect and unity.

The Havering community is widely described as united and cohesive, showing a collective rejection of violence and racism.

What Measures Are Being Taken to Ensure Community Safety in Havering?

Councillor Morgon emphasised Havering Council’s ongoing commitment to peaceful coexistence and security throughout the borough. The council pledged continued efforts to foster calm, cohesion, and safety for all residents of Havering, including those from diverse faiths and backgrounds.

This incident is a sober reminder of the importance of vigilance and community solidarity, and the council is working closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent such attacks in the future.

What Can Residents Do to Stay Informed and Support Community Unity?

The Havering Daily encourages residents to stay informed by following local news and council updates through various social media platforms and community pages. These channels provide the latest information and ways for residents to engage positively in community life.

The council also calls on residents to maintain civility and kindness to each other to safeguard the borough’s cohesion against division or hate.