The Directors of the Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto express our profound sorrow and condemnation in response to the violent attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, England, on October 2, 2025. An assault on a house of worship is an attack not only on those who gather in prayer, but on the very foundations of faith, community, and human dignity. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and community members affected, and we stand in steadfast solidarity with our Jewish siblings during this time of grief.
This tragedy underscores the urgent responsibility we all share to resist hatred and division wherever they arise. Across borders and traditions, people of goodwill must continue to respond to such acts with compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to one another. The Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto reaffirms its dedication to fostering mutual understanding, deepening friendship, and cultivating respect between our communities. We remain resolute that voices of intolerance will never overcome the bonds of trust and peace that unite us.
We invite all members of our broader community to join us in remembrance, prayer, and a renewed commitment to dialogue. May the memory of those harmed be a blessing, and may this time of sorrow strengthen our collective resolve to work together for a world in which sacred spaces are secure, human dignity is safeguarded, and peace and justice are upheld.
Furthermore, we strongly call on all levels of government to increase protections for houses of worship and to take decisive action to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Preventing tragedies such as the attack in Manchester, as well as similar assaults on mosques and synagogues in Canada, must be a shared priority for the safety and flourishing of all communities.