Precedent has dictated that when there is conflict in the Middle East, the Jewish community in Manchester and across the country endures a surge in antisemitic incidents.

The Jewish community has always had an excellent relationship with their neighbours across Manchester.  Throughout history, the community has played an outgoing, integral and confident role in our diverse city.  The primary concern for the Community Security Trust, Jewish Leadership Council and Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region is to ensure that community cohesion is not damaged.  That makes it profoundly concerning when the situation in the Middle East is used as a pretext to attack Jewish residents across Manchester.

We are grateful to Sir Richard Leese, Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Neighbourhood Strategic Lead Mark Rainey and Greater Manchester Police for taking the time to meet with Amanda Bomsztyk and Marc Levy.  Manchester Council and Greater Manchester Police have taken proactive steps to respond to incidents when they have occurred.  We took the opportunity to thank Manchester Council and Greater Manchester Police for immediately acting upon our concerns.  Their work to promote tolerance and understanding must be applauded.

Amanda Bomstztyk – Regional Director – Community Security Trust & Marc Levy – Chief Executive – Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region

“Manchester has seen a huge upsurge in antisemitic incidents over the past fortnight.  We will continue to work with Manchester Council and Greater Manchester Police in order to protect and advocate for our community.

We are fortunate to have leaders like Sir Richard and Luthfur who fully understand our concerns.  Their commitment to ensuring the Jewish community will feel safe, secure and continue to thrive across Manchester is hugely appreciated.

SIR RICHARD LEESE – LEADER MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL

“There is no room for prejudice and hatred in the city, we will not tolerate it and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone who suffers it.

Events in the Middle East are a matter of legitimate concern but we utterly condemn using them as a pretext for attacks on our Jewish community.  Antisemtism is abhorrent and inexcusable.”