United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Addresses Opening of 2023 SDG Summit at UN General Assembly in New York Sept. 18, 2023. (UN Photo Cia Pak)

By  Gary   Raynaldo      DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester, England Thursday that left two people dead and four injured. A man rammed a car into people outside the synagogue and then stabbed two with a knife and injuring others. The deadly attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is devoted to repentance, reflection and seeking forgiveness.

“Houses of worship are sacred places where people can go to find peace,” Secretary General Guterres said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

The UN chief added that the targeting a synagogue on Yom Kippur “is particularly heinous” and that he stands in solidarity with the Jewish community and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice. The attack took place as worshipers gathered in the morning at the synagogue for Yom Kippur.

The suspected attacker was shot dead at the scene by police officers. Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson said in a statement that the attack has been officially declared a terrorist incident, and the investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Police.  UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in an address the the country,  characterized  the suspect as a “vile individual” who attacked Jews “because they are Jews”.

UN Chief Concerned By “Alarming Rise of Antisemitism Worldwide”

The UN Secretary-General also said in his statement that he is deeply concerned by the “alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide” and stressed the urgent need to confront hatred and intolerance “in all their forms.”