The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region stands in solidarity with the Muslim community of Blackburn following the arson attack on a cafe prayer room.

The Jewish community knows only too well the real and lasting impact of violence directed at faith communities. The right to practise one’s religion safely, free from fear or threat, is fundamental. When people cannot feel secure in their places of worship and communal spaces, it is not only those communities that suffer – it is a failure of our society as a whole.

All those who value our democratic freedoms have a responsibility to speak out. We must challenge not only those who commit such attacks, but also those who incite and encourage hatred against individuals or communities because of their religion or political beliefs.