Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is also a day that has been tainted by shock and sadness, following the terrorist attack against members of the Jewish community in Manchester. This was an attack driven by antisemitic hatred, targeting people solely because they are Jews.
Jewish families have long found refuge in the UK, including here in Wales, having fled persecution. Wales gave a welcome, not just with shelter, but with belonging. These values of tolerance, decency and respect are our values. We won’t give up the fight for them.
But we still face a painful reality. Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centres still require protection. Cardiff East’s synagogues are no exception.
Antisemitism is not a new phenomenon, but its prevalence is increasing again. This appalling attack in Manchester is a reminder of the threats Jewish communities live with every day and of our collective responsibility to confront and defeat this hatred wherever it is found.
I understand the fear this attack has caused. Our Jewish community should not have to live like this; nobody should.