Action for Race Equality are horrified by the attack that has taken place at a synagogue in Manchester today.
Carrying out an attack of this kind against the Jewish community on their holiest day, Yom Kippur, is nothing less than racist violence. While details about the attackers are still unknown at the time of writing, it is clear that the attack has taken place against the backdrop of racist rhetoric which has become commonplace in the UK.
Just a few weeks ago, we witnessed one of the largest far-right rallies to take place in London, making ethnic minorities fearful to leave their homes. The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally was organised by a well-known far-right activist. Speakers at this rally included a prominent Holocaust denier as well as known Islamaphobes. Platforming those who pedal racist, antisemitic, and Islamophobic narratives is deeply dangerous. Fearmongering and racial hatred are being used in a game of political point scoring.
Today is a stark reminder that targeting communities to get ahead in the polls has horrifying real world consequences. We urgently need a serious commitment to end racism, so that communities can live safe lives free from abuse and violence. The Government must act with urgency and cross-party commitment to dismantle the policies, rhetoric, and structures that enable hateful ideologies to thrive.
In the meantime, our wish is that all communities come together in peace, strength, solidarity, resilience, and mutual support.
Action for Race Equality
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