The Bishop of Bradford and Interim Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth has joined Faith Leaders in his Episcopal Area in condemning the violent attack on Jewish worshippers in Manchester.
Their joint statement reads:
“As faith leaders from across Bradford, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent act of antisemitism that took place today at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. That such an attack should occur on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more shocking and grievous.
Our prayers are with all those directly and indirectly impacted by this horrific event.
Hatred, violence, and division have no place in our society. We stand united in prayer for all who have been affected — the victims, their families, and the wider Jewish community here in West Yorkshire and beyond.
Today we reaffirm our shared commitment to the fundamental right of every person to worship freely, safely, and without fear.
We call upon the people of Bradford — those of all faiths and of none — to stand together against those who would divide us, and to work for a city and district where peace, mutual respect, and understanding flourish for all."
The Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
Sarfraz Nazir, Bradford Council for Mosques
Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj, OBE, DL, Bradford Gurdwaras
Ravinder Dharni, Bradford Hindu Council