In the heart of Greater Manchester, a vibrant Orthodox Jewish community is demonstrating remarkable resilience after the recent foiling of a chilling terror plot. The plan, orchestrated by an Islamic State sleeper cell, aimed to "kill as many Jews as possible" in a marauding firearms attack on their neighbourhood. The perpetrators, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, were found guilty of terrorism offences on Tuesday.
Daily Struggles Beyond the Headlines
While security threats dominate external perceptions, community leaders stress that the pressing concerns for many families are profoundly everyday. Michelle Ciffer Klein, who runs the Hershel Weiss children and families centre supporting 650 families, is emphatic. "People outside think the biggest issue is security – that’s rubbish," she states. Her centre, which grew from a single synagogue room to a council-funded hub, deals with the harsh realities of the cost-of-living crisis.
Ciffer Klein highlights the expense of kosher food, soaring energy bills, and families who cannot afford basics like milk and nappies. Her work involves providing food and debt support, running clinics, and organising activities for large ultra-Orthodox families, some of whom eschew modern technology like smartphones and television.
A Culture of Vigilance and Solidarity
In response to the persistent threat, the community has fostered a unique culture of vigilance. MD Factor, executive director of the Jewish civilian patrol Salford Shomrim, reports a "massive increase" in calls to their 24-hour hotline about suspicious activity. The patrol, which shares intelligence with police and acts as a bridge for Yiddish and Hebrew speakers, can reach an incident within two minutes.
This vigilance exists alongside a powerful sense of internal solidarity. Research from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) notes a clear shift towards greater community involvement and cohesion. This was exemplified in December by the 'Spread a Little Light' project, launched to foster community spirit during Hanukah.
Defiance in the Face of Fear
Despite the tension, a spirit of defiant normalcy prevails. Independent councillor for Kersal and Broughton Park, Andrew Walters, encapsulates this attitude with an old Jewish joke: "They tried to kill us. They failed. Let’s eat." Walters, who works seamlessly with a religious Muslim business partner, emphasises that most people simply want to live in peace.
"We love life," Walters asserts. "And we believe that if we die, we’re going to a better place. We refuse to be afraid." This sentiment is echoed by Sara Radivan of the Board of Deputies, who declares, "I’m proud to be British, proud to be Jewish and can’t say which comes first."
A Shifting Security Landscape
Security experts point to a concerning pattern in the region. Dave Rich, head of policy at the Community Security Trust (CST), notes that while far-right antisemitism accounts for more recorded incidents, the most violent recent plots have involved Islamist extremists. He lists a series of attacks and plans emanating from towns north of Manchester, asking, "What is going on there specifically?"
The context has led some to reassess postwar optimism about antisemitism. Russell Langer of the Jewish Leadership Council suggests the idea of a permanent "golden age" of understanding after the Holocaust is now seen as far too optimistic. He urges the government to bring forward a new extremism strategy, stressing the need to confront the specific ideology of Islamist extremism without conflating it with the Muslim faith.
Yet, within this serious backdrop, moments of joy persist. Langer recalls how a sombre London gathering marking the anniversary of the 7 October attacks spontaneously turned into dancing as Jewish tunes were played. It is this blend of sober vigilance, daily resilience, and joyful defiance that defines the community's response, proving that life, in all its complexity, emphatically goes on.
