On a somber evening in Manchester, hundreds gathered at the city’s cathedral to hold a silent vigil for peace, just days after a deadly terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue left the local Jewish community reeling. The attack, which occurred in the Crumpsall area, claimed the lives of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Kravitz, 66, and wounded several others before the assailant, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police. The outpouring of grief and solidarity at the vigil reflected the city’s determination to stand together in the face of hatred and violence.
The hour-long silence at Manchester Cathedral on October 14, 2025, was not just an act of remembrance but a powerful statement of unity. The Dean of Manchester, the Very Revd Rogers Govender, addressed those present, emphasizing the significance of the day beyond the city’s borders. “It is about solidarity, it is about standing together alongside one another. Tonight (was) also very poignant because some hostages have been released, there’s also the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt going on at the moment to progress the ceasefire and beyond in Gaza and Israel, so it’s a good day for me to pray for that may go off smoothly and continue to be constructive for the good for all,” he said, according to BBC.
The timing of the vigil coincided with the first phase of a US-brokered plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Under this agreement, Hamas returned all living Israeli hostages, while Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. For many in Manchester, these developments offered a glimmer of hope amid the heartbreak, reinforcing the universal desire for peace and reconciliation.
Andrea, a member of the Manchester Jewish community who attended the vigil, captured the mood of the evening: “I’m a proud Mancunian as well, so I wanted to show my support for the Jewish community and also for Manchester. People of all faiths have come together and that is what is important at the moment. We’re celebrating the release of the hostages, but unfortunately there’s been repercussions in Manchester because of the war and we just need to come together and be friends.” Her words echoed the sentiment that, in times of crisis, unity and compassion are essential for healing.
In the aftermath of the Crumpsall attack, the community has rallied to support those affected. Nearly £100,000 has been raised to assist victims and their families, a testament to the city’s resilience and generosity. The fundraising efforts, while remarkable, are just one part of a broader movement to counter hate with hope and action.
However, the tragedy has also exposed deep-seated concerns about rising antisemitism and the responsibilities of public institutions to ensure safety and respect for all communities. The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region has been vocal in its demands for accountability and action. On October 13, 2025, the JRC condemned what it described as the “utterly unforgiveable” lack of response from a local concert venue following the synagogue attack earlier that month.
The controversy centers on the upcoming November 5 performance by punk duo Bob Vylan at Manchester Academy, a venue associated with the University of Manchester. The JRC has accused the artist of “repeatedly engag[ing] in rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate political discourse into antisemitism and incitement.” Their concerns are not without precedent: Bob Vylan generated outrage at Glastonbury in June by chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” during a live BBC broadcast. The incident prompted BBC Director-General Tim Davie to later describe the decision to air the set as “a very significant mistake,” labeling the performance “antisemitic” and “deeply disturbing.”
The JRC’s updated statement called for the concert’s cancellation, arguing that “there is a vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism.” The group’s demand for urgent action highlights the ongoing struggle to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable communities from hate speech and intimidation.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson weighed in on the controversy, emphasizing the powers that universities possess to address such issues. Speaking on BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, she said, “I don’t know the specifics in terms of the ownership of that site and where that sits, but I am deeply, deeply troubled by some of what we’ve heard from the individual in question in that group, about the fear and intimidation that could cause. Universities have powers to take action to prevent harassment and intimidation.”
Phillipson also underscored the importance of education and training in combating antisemitism, stating that university staff, especially those in security roles, must “prioritise attending” antisemitism training. This, she argued, would help maintain strong relationships between students and police, and foster a safer environment for all.
The debate over the Bob Vylan concert has ignited passionate responses from across the political and social spectrum. Some argue that cancelling the event would set a dangerous precedent for censorship and stifle legitimate political discourse, while others insist that drawing a clear line against hate speech—especially in the wake of a violent attack—is both necessary and overdue. The JRC’s stance reflects a growing impatience with what many see as institutional inertia in confronting antisemitism, particularly when it is cloaked in the language of activism or protest.
At the same time, the broader Jewish community in Manchester and beyond continues to find strength in solidarity and celebration of their heritage. As highlighted by Jewish News, the community’s resilience is evident not only in moments of crisis, but also in everyday acts of unity, charity, and cultural pride. Initiatives such as interfaith collaborations, public recognition of Holocaust heroes, and campaigns for mental health and remembrance demonstrate a commitment to building bridges and fostering understanding.
For many, the events of October 2025 have served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing minority communities in the UK and the importance of vigilance against hatred in all its forms. The response in Manchester—marked by vigils, fundraising, and calls for institutional accountability—has shown both the pain of loss and the enduring power of hope.
As the city looks ahead, the lessons of the past weeks will undoubtedly shape its path forward. The struggle against antisemitism, the defense of free expression, and the pursuit of peace are not mutually exclusive, but they require constant attention, dialogue, and courage. For Manchester’s Jewish community and their allies, the journey continues—rooted in the conviction that unity and compassion are the strongest antidotes to fear and division.