We are devastated by the terrorist attack that took place this morning at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, on Yom Kippur.

The victims, their families, and the entire Manchester Jewish community are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of profound grief and fear.

This awful attack is a tragic reminder of the manner in which hatred and intolerance towards Jewish people – whether put explicitly as such or directed (nominally) at “Zionists” or other euphemisms – can translate into deadly acts of violence aimed at our community.

Sentiments of concern and condolence from those whose words and conduct have previously increased rather than addressed the fears of our community, will inevitably ring hollow.

Rather, to be meaningful, any words of concern must now be matched by substantive action to confront and combat antisemitism in all its forms.

Anti-Jewish sentiment and communal fears in the UK have been stoked by our political leaders’ use of inflammatory and irresponsible language about the ongoing tragic conflict in Israel and Gaza.

With this in mind, we call on political and community leaders across Scotland to act urgently to stop fanning the flames of hatred, and - once again – to work with and alongside, rather than vilifying and alienating, the Jewish community of Scotland, to support rather than undermine community cohesion across our nation.

We thank Police Scotland for their continued engagement with, and support for Jewish communities across Scotland at this extremely fraught juncture.

Last, we would once again urge all members of the community attending synagogues or other community premises to follow all instructions from police and security, and in particular not to congregate outside communal premises, and to keep doors closed at all times.

Timothy Lovat, Chair, Jewish Council of Scotland

Henry Lovat, President, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council