Barnet Council has unanimously condemned the recent terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur.
The council meeting on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, addressed a range of local issues, but councillors united to express solidarity with the Jewish community following the tragedy. Councillor Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, acknowledged the difficult time for all communities, particularly the Jewish community in Barnet, and the council's commitment to cross-party support and reassurance.
The joint motion was brought forward by Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, and Councillor Mark Shooter. The joint motion expressed support for the Jewish community.
The motion also paid tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who responded to the attack, including the police, fire service, ambulance, and the Community Security Trust (CST).
Councillor Conway outlined the actions the council has taken to support the Jewish community, including strong partnership working closely with the CST and Shomrim on a wide range of safety issues and reassurance measures, outreach to synagogues, a nursery school and a primary school following incidents, as well as patrols with the police. The council also continues to fund Barnet's Hate Crime Officer and works closely with school resources for promotion, including resources funded by the Mayor of London's Shared Endeavour Fund.
The council's partnership with the CST and Shomrim focuses on a wide range of safety issues and reassurance measures, primarily addressing anti-Semitism, but also including patrols addressing burglary and robbery.
As part of the council's ongoing support, a community roundtable is planned next month in Barnet with Jewish community leaders to listen to their concerns and incorporate their feedback into the borough's strategies.
Councillor Barnes asked what the council is doing to keep the Jewish community safe. Councillor Conway responded that the council has taken actions to support the Jewish community, and outlined the actions that the council has taken to support the Jewish community.
The agenda frontsheet and public reports pack are available online.
