ADASS responds to the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur

We condemn the attack on worshippers at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed and harmed, and with the Jewish community and other communities in Manchester as they work together to cope with this tragedy.

Antisemitism is racism and has no place in our society.

Rising antisemitism, hate crimes and racism are unacceptable and create a climate of fear which harms us all. As our President and Vice President said in their statement just this week, our work in social care will always be anchored in fairness, dignity and inclusion, for all people, without exception.

Many of the care workers who work with ADASS members are from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and they are understandably concerned for their safety in the face of rising racism. Care workers are also concerned for the safety of those they care for.

We are ready to support our members who are checking in with team members who may be feeling unsafe. We want to ensure care workers have the support necessary to continue doing the life changing work of providing care and support for older aged and disabled people who need it.