Last night, we came together with 250 people at the Heaton Park Synagogue for a deeply moving menorah lighting led by Rabbi Daniel Walker.

Whilst acknowledging the terrorist attack in Sydney and the heartbreaking events that took place at the Synagogue on Yom Kippur, we demonstrated our strength and resilience whilst unequivocally stating that hatred will not defeat us.

The menorah was lit by JRC Chair, Mark Adlestone and Karen Cravitz, the widow of Melvin who was murdered in the terrorist attack on the Synagogue.

We were delighted to be joined by Minister, Alex Davies-Jones MP and the political leadership from across Greater Manchester, including: Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham; Deputy Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, Kate Green; the Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig; Christian Wakeford MP and the Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Caroline Simpson who came to celebrate Chanukah and show their solidarity and support.

Moment like last night remind us that our community remains defiant as we once again commit to embracing light over darkness and love over hate.