🔗 Share this article

“They attempted to murder us. They did not succeed. Let’s dine,” stated Andrew Walters.

This age-old Jewish adage is especially pertinent in a northern English city in the face of present-day dangers.

For the representative, the humorous quip captures the unyielding character that defines his traditional Jewish community.

This lively neighbourhood was singled out by an Islamic State undercover group, whose scheme to “murder as many Jews as possible” in a marauding gun incident was prevented. Two men were found guilty this week on terrorism charges.

Neighbourhood Solidarity and Everyday Struggles

In the words of Walters, the foiled plot has not shaken the neighbourhood’s desire to live harmoniously with its wider community. “My business partner is a devout Muslim and we have an excellent relationship,” said the father of nine. “You find good and bad in any society. Most just want to live in harmony.”

The extremists saw the Hebrew community solely through the distorted lens of prejudice.

They showed no interest in the wide-ranging lifestyles, financial situations, levels of observance and opinions within Greater Manchester’s Jewish communities, nor in the serious issues like financial hardship that affect many British areas.

A community centre director runs a family support centre that helps hundreds of families, including large ultra-Orthodox families and some Muslim women. The hub offers mother and baby groups, clinics, advice services, learning programs, and vital food and debt support.

“Outsiders think the biggest issue is security – that is not true,” she said. “Naturally we’re sad and we pray, but the women I work with are struggling to manage with daily routines, stress and large families. We don’t judge.”

“Inflation – kosher food is very expensive – energy bills, people who can’t afford milk and nappies, accommodation, benefits issues – that’s what I’m addressing.”

Increased Security and Unbroken Spirit

Despite these pressures, two unifying themes have strengthened under pressure. One is a clear shift “in favour of neighbourly unity and involvement,” as noted by a major policy study institute. The other is a atmosphere of watchfulness on a level rare in most UK communities.

“We can arrive to an event in two minutes,” said the executive director of a local neighbourhood watch group that exchanges information with authorities.

“The mood is undoubtedly strained,” they continued. “There has been a massive surge in calls to our round-the-clock hotline about concerning behaviour.”

Nonetheless, Walters stressed that the Orthodox communities, among the fastest-growing in Europe, did not live in dread. “We cherish life,” he said. “And we believe that if we pass away, we’re going to a better place. We choose not to be frightened.”

Wider Context and Appeals for Measures

Other senior community figures contend that considerably more must be done to confront the danger of radical ideology.

While figures show that incidents with explicit far-right 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 detect and disrupt hostile surveillance of Jewish locations that would come before an assault,” said a policy head from a community security organisation.

They added a series of terrorism and antisemitic incidents coming from suburbs north of the city, leading to inquiries about the specific situation in that area.

Recent attacks abroad have coincided with Hebrew festivals and commemorations, increasing a feeling of worldwide anxiety.

Reflection on a Changing Era

Some commentators argue that a post-Holocaust paradigm has changed.

“Historically in Britain, there was a kind of view there was a golden age in terms of post-Holocaust awareness of what anti-Jewish hatred is,” said a director for a Jewish leadership council. “It is my belief that viewpoint is starting to be seen as overly naive.”

They added, “It’s not that we think this time is any more threatening than any of those times before, but that there’s no complacency that difficult times won’t return.”

There is recognition of the hard work being done within Islamic communities to dispute extremist ideologies, though mainstream voices can feel drowned out.

Calls have been made for the authorities to introduce a new extremism framework, with an emphasis on tackling the ideological challenge posed by radical views, distinct from faith or individuals.

Resilience and Hope

However, amid the context of safety concerns, a strain of celebratory resilience runs through even solemn events.

“In London to mark an solemn date, the discussion turned to the Manchester incident,” a spokesperson recounted. “Unexpectedly, at the end, a performer started playing traditional tunes and people started dancing. That’s the resilient spirit.”

“But I would be dishonest if I said those serious debates about the future of Jewish life in this country haven’t been continuing.”