Following the fatal shooting at a Manchester synagogue that left two people dead, TV judge and presenter Rob Rinder has voiced his concerns and urged everyone to unite with the Jewish community.
Rob Rinder has urged the public to stand with the Jewish community after the atrocious Manchester synagogue attack. The TV presenter slammed the incident, which police have classed as a terrorism incident.
Five people were injured and two were killed in the car attack and stabbing. Greater Manchester Police initially declared the attack a major incident, but officers later shot the suspected attacker dead.
Taking to Twitter/X following the tragedy, the 47-year-old TV presenter, who is Jewish, said: “On the holiest day of the year we are attacked at a Manchester synagogue. Our children walk to school behind barbed wire protected by guns.
READ MORE: Manchester synagogue attack police issue major update on injuredREAD MORE: Manchester attack suspect pictured dead with blade and ‘bomb’ next to him
Yet some still respond to this atrocity with “what about… “This is my country, the sanctuary my grandfather found after surviving the Holocaust, promising freedom under the rule of law. “
He continued, saying that he was praying for those responsible and thanked the brave people who responded to the tragedy. A community this small cannot be on its own, says Rob.
“You must stand with us if you believe in Britain (wherever you are from) and whatever your faith. History instructs us on what will happen when that happens, which is why many Jews don’t see a future here.
His followers were quick to let him know they stand with him and the community, with one user writing: “We do stand with you Rob……always.” Another added: “Decent people stand with you Rob. I walk my dogs in Heaton Park and have the utmost love and respect for the Jewish community. Terrible day.”
His comments echo other celebrities who have spoken out to condemn the scenes. Stacey Solomon was another TV star to speak out, saying she is “scared and heartbroken”.
The Loose Women panellist shared a powerful message on social media, saying: “It is heartbreaking to hear of the attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur. My thoughts & prayers are with everyone effected.
Anyone else I’m thinking of right now who feels afraid for themselves and their loved ones because of who they are also. Being Jewish is heartbreaking and frightening, too.
Although I’ve said this before, it goes without saying that my thoughts are also with Gaza’s innocent residents. Being proudly Jewish and amp; opposed to the horrific attack of today does not negate the other.
No matter what I say, I know. Someone somewhere won’t like it. However, I really don’t have to say that anything is okay.
Following the attack, a cordon was placed around the Heaton Park synagogue, where armed police, paramedics, a bomb disposal unit and firefighters remain on scene.
On Yom Kippur, the Jewish community’s most holy day, is the day that my thoughts, as well as those of my officers and staff, are with the families of the loved ones who have been affected by today’s horrific incident.
The investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorist Police, and this has been formally designated as a terrorist incident. We believe the identity of the offender has been established, as has been confirmed by CT policing, but it is premature to disclose this information until we are certain of it. Additionally, I can confirm that two additional people have been detained in connection with this incident and that inquiries are ongoing.
“We can confirm that this attack resulted in the tragic passing of two members of our Jewish community. Within seven minutes of the initial call, armed Greater Manchester Police officers interrogated the offender and fatally shot him.
Four more patients are still in the hospital with a variety of serious injuries still recovering from their injuries, and we are still thinking about them.