The Day of Atonement in Judaism, observed annually on Tishrei 10
UK universities are facing a rising wave of antisemitic incidents, with students reporting hostility and a perceived culture of antisemitism. A 2026 Union of Jewish Students report calls for enforceable standards, while Universities UK says campuses are strengthening support and reporting mechanisms. Cardiff University apologises for unsafe conditions on campus and reiterates a zero-tolerance stance while noting robust procedures.
The Israeli military has continued strikes against Hamas in Gaza, killing two senior militants and destroying weapons facilities; Israeli forces report ongoing firefights along the Yellow Line and in central Gaza as they aim to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its capabilities. Kites and mutual border tensions persist as the ceasefire framework faces renewed stress.
A memorial service in Heaton Park, Manchester, recalls the 2025 attack on the synagogue that killed Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Officials include Chief Rabbi Mirvis and Communities Secretary Rayner. Attendees stress resilience amid rising antisemitism and call for action to address core problems.
Thailand has cut visa‑free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for citizens of about 60 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan, and will limit land‑border entries to twice per year. Officials say the move responds to national security, economic and tourism management concerns and will not affect tourists already in the country.
Jewish communities face heightened threats ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, with rising antisemitic incidents in Britain and the United States. Leaders urge preparation over hope as security concerns intensify amid political strains over Israel and Gaza.
Israeli police have maintained security around Jerusalem’s Temple Mount while Jewish visitors, accompanied by police protection, have reportedly performed prayers and raised flags. The Al-Aqsa compound remains a flashpoint amid ongoing clashes and international concern.
Israel has shortened the time before Elor Azaria’s criminal record is automatically cleared, allowing him to begin a new chapter in life; the move follows the controversy over his 2017 manslaughter conviction for killing Abdel Fattah al-Sharif in Hebron.
Israeli and Palestinian sources have reported two deadly incidents in the occupied West Bank on 20 September 2026: a shooter opened fire at people at a spring near the Neve Tzuf settlement, killing an Israeli settler who later died in hospital; and Israeli forces have shot dead a driver who allegedly attempted a ramming attack near the Ganim settlement. Security forces have arrested a suspected shooter at a Ramallah hospital and have imposed closures and raids across multiple West Bank villages.
Israeli forces have intensified raids in Biddu and surrounding towns after a shooting near Neveh Tzuf. Officials say dozens have been detained, homes searched, and access blocked as military operations continue ahead of upcoming elections.
Israel's Netanyahu is seeking reelection as world leaders gather at the UN. Mamdani continues to clash with Israeli policy, calling for accountability and criticizing genocide accusations, while Trump remains a key ally on some fronts. Protests and counter-demonstrations surround Netanyahu's UN appearance.
Counter-terrorism police have disrupted an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester during Yom Kippur. Two men in their 30s have been arrested, with searches in Salford and Liverpool. Police say the investigation is ongoing and heightened security is in place for the High Holy Days.
Macron’s UN speech has drawn sharp criticism from Israel’s government after he said Hamas has “never struck in the West Bank.” Netanyahu’s office calls the remark a “grotesque absurdity,” as violence in Gaza and the West Bank continues and international pressure mounts.
A 29-year-old man armed with a shotgun opened fire near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, as worshipers gathered for Yom Kippur. He wounded a police officer, who returned fire; the suspect died Monday night. The Special Investigations Unit is examining the police response while Belleville police investigate possible motives. Authorities condemn antisemitism and pledge heightened security.
Palestinian communities face encroachment as Israeli settlers, backed by a hard‑line government, move to seize springs and designate heritage sites. Water diversions near Fasayil contribute to a new “Herod’s Pool,” while funding for archaeology signals a broader push to consolidate control over land and memory in the West Bank.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Manchester with preparing to commit or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism. They were arrested ahead of Yom Kippur and are believed to have been in contact with an overseas third party; authorities say there is no ongoing public threat.
Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan are remanded after appearing in court on terrorism charges related to hostile reconnaissance and plans for a homemade explosive targeting Manchester’s Jewish community. Prosecution says a third party, likely based in Iran, directed the plot. They are due at the Old Bailey on Oct. 23.
A Ra’anana couple has welcomed a baby boy named Lavi, born on Yom Kippur, after eggs frozen 25 years ago were used with a surrogate. The parents had mourned their older son Almog, abducted and killed in 2024, but see the birth as a new beginning amid national tragedy.
The Home Secretary has announced a public inquiry into the deaths of two worshippers during the Heaton Park synagogue attack on Yom Kippur, with officials noting recent anti‑Jewish violence across Britain. The inquiry will hear sensitive material that could not be addressed in a coroner’s court. The Home Office has also cited a rise in hate crimes against Jews in England and Wales.