Jewish Conservative Alliance, chaired by Golders Green councillor Dean Cohen, said that politicians “bear direct responsibility” for the atmosphere that led to yesterday’s attack at a synagogue

A Jewish Conservative group chaired by a Barnet councillor has said that politicians including former Foreign Secretary David Lammy “bear direct responsibility” for the atmosphere that led to an attack on worshippers at a Manchester synagogue yesterday.

In a statement issued last night, Jewish Conservative Alliance, which is chaired by Golders Green councillor Dean Cohen, said: “British Jews see that the same politicians and commentators who have been vilifying the Jewish community and Israel over the past two years, since October 7th, are now claiming to be shocked by the Manchester attack. But these events are related.”

It continues: “These politicians – particularly the Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Secretary, David Lammy – bear direct responsibility for an atmosphere in which people believe that attacking synagogues while Jews are at prayer is a legitimate act.

“They are expressing shock at events they have helped to foster.”

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall yesterday morning as worshippers gathered to mark Yom Kippur.

The attacker, believed to be 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by police.

The attack has been widely condemned by politicians across the political spectrum, including Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings, however Cllr Cohen said these statements were not enough.

He said: “British Jews will not accept crocodile tears from politicians who have spent the last two years demonising our community and the State of Israel. The rise in antisemitism has been fuelled by their rhetoric, and we are now witnessing the consequences in violent attacks on our synagogues. The Jewish community deserves more than words – we demand action, security, and leadership.”

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