The Day of Atonement in Judaism
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.
Mohammad Bashir has been jailed for 17 years for preparing an act of terrorism with Jihad Al-Shamie, who carried out the Heaton Park attack. Investigations show the pair planned a defense academy assault while Al-Shamie was under investigation for a separate crime. Police acknowledge missed opportunities to intervene.
The CST reports 1,926 antisemitic hate incidents in January–June 2026 in the UK, up 21% from the previous year. Attacks include stabbings in Golders Green and arson at synagogues; government pledges £250m to bolster Jewish community security. The rise follows global trends and the start of the Israel–Iran conflict’s international spillover.
The Israel Defense Forces have downed a drone and struck Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon after a drone attack targeted troops in Nabatieh Ridge. The incidents prompt warnings near Arab Salim and Nabatieh as strikes continue and regional tensions rise amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
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.
A gunman has opened fire outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, wounding a police officer; the suspect has died after hospitalisation. Ontarios SIU and Belleville police have opened investigations and police have increased patrols near places of worship. Separately, Reform synagogues in Jerusalem and other countries have reported repeated vandalism and harassment targeting LGBTQ-friendly and non-Orthodox communities.
As the High Holy Days approach, Jewish communities confront rising antisemitic threats and political tensions. Leaders urge preparedness over hope, while incidents and surveys show an uptick in fear and division since 9/11’s 25th anniversary.
Palestinian worshippers face access restrictions as Israeli security forces tighten control around Al-Aqsa during Sukkot and Yom Kippur, with settlers and high-level Israeli officials conducting rites at the site. Across East Jerusalem and the West Bank, clashes, closures, and arrests continue as international actors call for restraint.
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.
Over the past days, Israeli forces have intensified operations following a spate of attacks near West Bank settlements. An Israeli soldier has been critically wounded, and attackers have been killed in multiple incidents. Ambassadors and family members are expressing concern as the conflict escalates amid a festive period.
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.
Several shots were fired outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Yom Kippur. A 29-year-old suspect was wounded and died the next day. Two Belleville police officers were injured, with Constable Jeff Smith facing multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery. The suspect, Sean Ward, is believed to have acted in a hate-motivated attack targeting the Jewish community. Authorities are reviewing weapon stockpiles and possible intent.
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.