“Every Jewish person I have spoken to has expressed the same reaction — shocked, but not surprised.” — Eliot
On Yom Kippur — the holiest day of the Jewish year — as families gathered in prayer and reflection, terror struck at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester. Two Jews were murdered. Others were seriously injured. Their only crime: being Jewish.
Across the UK, Jewish men and women locked synagogue doors, prayed in fear, and texted loved ones just to say, “I made it home alive.”
Andrea wrote, “We need police cars outside our children’s schools. This is life for Jews in the UK.”
Maxim shared, “My great-grandparents came to the UK to escape pogroms in Russia and Poland. How tragic that a century later, we are no safer.”
And Harrison confessed the words no one should ever have to say: “I should never have to feel lucky just to make it home from synagogue alive.”
These voices tell a painful truth: antisemitism is no longer hidden in the shadows — it is marching openly through the streets.
“Manchester says one solution — Intifada Revolution.”
Those words appeared on banners just hours before blood was spilled in a house of worship. The same hatred that chants on the streets now finds expression in violence against innocent men, women, and children.
Eliot described it as “a crossing of the Rubicon.” He wrote: “This is what happens when you constantly demonize the only Jewish state in the world. When you blame Israel for all the world’s evils.”
And yet — amidst grief and fear — there is courage. Maxim reminded us of the steadfast Rabbi Daniel Walker, who led his congregation through horror with faith and calm. “This synagogue has a history in my family,” he wrote, “and my love and respect go to the rabbi who stood strong.”
The light still shines.
Even as the darkness of antisemitism spreads across Europe, God’s covenant with Israel stands unbroken. His Word remains true:
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” — Genesis 12:3
As Christian Women For Israel, we are called for such a time as this — not to remain silent when our Jewish brothers and sisters are attacked, but to stand boldly in love and faith.
We will not let fear or hatred have the last word.
We will pray for the families of Manchester.
We will speak the truth when lies about Israel fill the air.
And we will bless God’s people — through our voices, our prayers, and our actions.
Today’s prayer:
Lord, comfort the grieving families in Manchester. Strengthen Your people Israel. Awaken the hearts of Christians around the world to stand with courage, conviction, and compassion. May light overcome darkness, and may Your peace guard every synagogue, every home, and every heart that trusts in You. Amen.
