FAITH leaders from across Scotland have condemned the attack on Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester today.
Two victims were killed in a terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
The suspect was confirmed dead after being shot by armed officers.
Now, religious organisations across the country have shared their condolences and condemned violence at places of worship.
The Scottish Association of Mosques said it is "deeply saddened by the attack."
A spokesman for the organisation, an umbrella body for Mosques in Scotland, said: "We extend our sincere condolences to the families and community affected, and we pray for the swift recovery of all those injured.
"Violence of this kind has no place in our society.
"An attack on a place of worship is an attack on every one of us, and it must be condemned unequivocally.
"We are gravely concerned by the rising pattern of attacks on places of worship; whether synagogues, mosques, churches, or temples.
"We stand united in rejecting hatred and intolerance in all its forms.
"At this painful time, we stand in solidarity with Jewish communities across the country.
"We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening bonds between people of all faiths and none, and to working together for peace, safety, and the common good."
The Church of Scotland described the attack as "abhorrent" and offered the community its prayers.
Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “The Church of Scotland stands in deep sorrow and solidarity with our Jewish neighbours following today’s abhorrent attack on the Jewish community in Manchester.
“That such violence should take place on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – is particularly grievous. Yom Kippur is a time when Jewish people seek reconciliation with God and with one another, and yet this sacred day has been marred by fear and cruelty.
“We recognise the profound anxiety and vulnerability this act will bring not only to the Jewish community in Manchester, but to Jewish people across the United Kingdom and beyond. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship or in the practice of their faith.
“As the full extent of injuries and harm continues to unfold, our heartfelt prayers are with all those who are suffering. In particular, we hold in prayer the families and friends of those whose lives have been lost, asking that they may know comfort and strength in their grief.
“On behalf of the Church of Scotland, I assure our Jewish sisters and brothers of our prayers, our compassion, and our steadfast commitment to stand alongside you against antisemitism in all its forms. May the God of peace bring comfort, strength, and healing in these dark hours.”
It comes as Police Scotland has now said they are carrying out “additional and dedicated patrols” around Jewish venues and synagogues in Scotland.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, lead for organised crime and counter terrorism in Scotland, said: “Our thoughts are with the Jewish community, the victims, families, and everyone affected by the incident in Manchester.
“Police Scotland officers are already carrying out additional and dedicated patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues as part of our existing policing plan for the Jewish High Holy Days.
“Following the incident, we are actively communicating with faith leaders and community leaders.
“While there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat in Scotland, I want to take this opportunity to ask the public to remain alert but not alarmed. You should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.
“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of all our communities.”
The incident in Manchester occurred on Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.
It was later deemed a terrorist attack and Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut a visit to Denmark short to chair and emergency Cobra meeting.
Greater Manchester Police declared “Plato” moments after the attack was reported. Operation Plato is a set of responses from emergency services to large-scale incidents, including terrorist attacks.
