Today, Thursday 9 October, the Diocese of Bristol joins the coalition of organisations, including the Together Coalition, the Church of England, the Scouts, Hope not Hate, the Women’s Institute and the British Muslim Trust, who are joining together in a national day of unity and solidarity following last week’s attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
This initiative, on the one-week anniversary of the attack, is bringing together communities across the UK to mourn, to stand in solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community, and to reject hate in all its forms.
The day comes amid rising antisemitism across the UK, with the Community Security Trust reporting one of the highest periods of recorded incidents in recent years. It also follows growing anti- Muslim hatred and an arson attack on a Mosque this weekend, which has spread fears of further violence.
Speaking about the attack and today's day of mourning, The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon, said:
“Last week's antisemitic attack on Heaton Park synagogue has deeply shaken the Jewish community, with ripples across society. It has left many fearful of leaving their homes and gathering for worship. In this time of sorrow, alongside people of all faiths and all who seek peace, we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. We are united in our commitment to peace. Let us pray that God would bring comfort, healing, and peace to all who are mourning.”
Brendan Cox, Co-founder of the Together Coalition, who have organised the day, said:
“An attack on one community is an attack on all of us. The Jewish community has been targeted in the cruellest way, at a time of deep reflection and prayer, and in the context of rising antisemitism across the UK. But this week’s response will show that Britain’s answer to hate is unity, compassion and courage – the values that bind us even in the darkest moments.”
Please join us in praying that God would be with those who mourn and those who are fearful, bringing comfort, peace and strength, and that he would help us all to value and love our neighbours as ourselves.