Stacey Solomon has said being Jewish “feels scary” in an emotional post about the Manchester attack on a synagogue.
The Bafta-winning TV star shared a statement on Instagram after Jihad Al-Shamie attacked a synagogue on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, which resulted in two Jewish people being killed.
Solomon said the attack was heartbreaking and said she is currently fearing for herself and her loved ones, stating, “none of this is OK”.
“My thoughts & prayers are with everyone affected,” the Sort Your Life Out host wrote.
“I’m also thinking of anyone right now who feels scared for themselves & their loved ones just because of who they are. Being Jewish feels scary & that is heartbreaking.”
Solomon continued: “It goes without saying, although I’ve said this before, My thoughts are also with the innocent people in Gaza. Being proudly Jewish & being against the horrific attack today does not cancel the other.
“I realise no matter what I say, someone somewhere won’t like it. But all I really have to say is that none of this is OK.”
The two victims have been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
Both were killed outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, after Al-Shamie drove into a group of people and stabbed a man. It is now believed that one of the victims was shot by armed officers.
Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “vile” attack, stating that Britain “must defeat” rising antisemitism.
Within just seven minutes of the first 999 call at 9.31am on Thursday (2 October), the knifeman was shot dead by armed police who feared he would detonate a fake suicide belt strapped to his waist.
Officers have been praised for their swift response to the deadly attack, which has been declared a terrorist incident.
Two men aged in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.”
At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack, but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.
“All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises. Yom Kippur is a day where we see our Jewish community attending their places of worship, places where they and their families should feel entirely safe from harm.”
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