An attack of this nature is abhorrent on any day, but to happen on the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish calendar deepens the trauma and the outrage.

Yom Kippur is a day of prayer, reflection and forgiveness, a time when synagogues are at capacity and when many Jews who rarely attend religious services attend synagogue. It is a quiet, sacred day of unity and introspection. It should not be a day of death and fear.

There have been too many times where Jewish people, including here in Melbourne, have not been not safe in our places of worship and in our daily lives. Thoughts and prayers are not what is needed. We need action and leadership. Governments and law enforcement must take immediate and concrete steps to protect Jewish communities everywhere.

The JCCV is in close contact with CSG and Victoria Police to ensure Jewish Victorians can celebrate the upcoming festivals of Sukkot and Simchat Torah in safety and peace.

The JCCV stands with the Jewish community in Manchester and across the world. We will not accept complacency in the face of mounting antisemitism and the growing threat of extremist violence.