🔗 Share this article

“They tried to murder us. They failed. Let’s eat,” stated a community figure.

This long-standing Jewish saying feels notably relevant in Greater Manchester in the face of present-day threats.

For the representative, the witty statement sums up the resilient nature that marks his traditional Jewish neighbourhood.

This vibrant area was targeted by an Islamic State sleeper cell, whose scheme to “slay as many Jews as possible” in a rampaging firearms attack was thwarted. Two suspects were convicted this week on terrorism charges.

Neighbourhood Unity and Everyday Struggles

In the words of Walters, the foiled scheme has not shaken the community’s wish to get on with its wider community. “My business partner is a religious Muslim and we have an excellent relationship,” said the financial advisor. “There’s good and bad in any society. The vast majority just want to live in harmony.”

The extremists viewed the Hebrew population solely through the distorted view of antisemitism.

They showed no curiosity in the varied ways of life, incomes, religious practice and opinions within Greater Manchester’s Jewish communities, nor in the serious challenges like poverty that affect many British areas.

Michelle Ciffer Klein runs a family support centre that aids hundreds of families, including large strictly observant families and some Muslim women. The centre delivers mother and baby groups, clinics, advice services, educational programs, and essential financial and material support.

“Outsiders think the main issue is safety – that is not true,” the director said. “Of course we’re concerned and we pray, but the women I work with are finding it hard to cope with day-to-day lives, stress and many children. We don’t judge.”

“The cost of living – kosher food is very expensive – utility costs, people who can’t afford milk and nappies, housing, benefits issues – that’s what I’m focused on.”

Heightened Security and Unbroken Resolve

Despite these pressures, two unifying themes have grown under pressure. One is a clear shift “in favour of social cohesion and involvement,” as noted by a recent policy study organisation. The other is a atmosphere of alertness on a level rare in most UK communities.

“We can arrive to an event in two minutes,” said the executive director of a Jewish civilian patrol group that exchanges intelligence with police.

“The feeling is undoubtedly strained,” they added. “We’ve seen a significant rise in calls to our 24-hour helpline about concerning behaviour.”

Nonetheless, the councillor stated that the observant communities, among the fastest-growing in Europe, did not live in terror. “We cherish life,” he said. “We have faith that if we pass away, we’re going to a better place. We decline to be intimidated.”

Wider Backdrop and Appeals for Measures

Other prominent community figures say that far more must be done to tackle the threat of radical ideology.

While data show that incidents with explicit right-wing extremist motivation exceeded those linked to radical Islamist views last year, the most serious plots in recent years have been perpetrated by Islamist extremists.

“A significant part of our work on the security side is trying to spot and stop malicious surveillance of Jewish sites that would precede an assault,” said a policy director from a community security trust.

They pointed out a pattern of terrorism and antisemitic activity originating from areas north of the city, prompting questions about the particular dynamics in that area.

Recent tragic attacks internationally have coincided with Jewish holidays and anniversaries, amplifying a feeling of worldwide anxiety.

Reflection on a Changing Paradigm

Some figures suggest that a post-Holocaust understanding has altered.

“From a British perspective, there was an view there was a time of acceptance in terms of post-war awareness of what anti-Jewish hatred is,” said a spokesperson for a Jewish leadership body. “It is my belief that outlook is starting to be seen as excessively optimistic.”

They added, “This is not to say we think this time is any more threatening than any of those times before, but that there’s no assumption that difficult times won’t recur.”

There is acknowledgement of the endeavours being done within Islamic communities to dispute extremist ideologies, though moderate voices can feel overwhelmed.

Calls have been made for the authorities to publish a new radicalism strategy, with an emphasis on tackling the ideological threat presented by radical views, separate from religion or individuals.

Defiance and Hope

However, despite the context of security threats, a thread of joyful defiance permeates even solemn gatherings.

“In London to mark an solemn date, the discussion included the Manchester incident,” a leader recounted. “Spontaneously, at the end, a musician started playing traditional tunes and people started dancing. That’s the hopeful side.”

“However I would be dishonest if I said those serious conversations about the prospects of Jewish life in this nation haven’t been ongoing.”