Barnet Council has pledged its support to ensure the safety and well-being of its Jewish community following a recent terrorist attack. During a council meeting on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, members unanimously carried a joint motion condemning the Yom Kippur terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester. The motion noted that in the course of the attack, two members of the congregation were killed and three sustained serious injuries.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, and Councillor Mark Shooter, expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and paid tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who responded to the attack. These included the police, fire service, ambulance, and the Community Security Trust (CST).

Councillor Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, outlined the actions that the council has taken to support the Jewish community, noting that it has been an incredibly difficult time for all communities. She also noted the rise in anti-Semitic incidents and the importance of working with organisations like CST and Shomrim to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Barnet.

To address the rise in anti-Semitic incidents, Councillor Conway detailed several actions, including:

  • Including the opposition in police briefings at key times, particularly during the autumn winter of 2023 and with High Holy Day plans this year.
  • Strong partnership, working closely with CST and Shomrim on a wide range of safety issues and reassurance measures.
  • Continued funding for Barnet's Hate Crime Officer for the past two years.
  • Promotion of resources funded by the Mayor of London's Shared Endeavour Fund, which includes Anne Frank Trust and Stand Up, as some examples.
  • A specific discussion on hate crime in this borough, including a section on anti-Semitism, at next month's Safer Communities Partnership Board.
  • A community roundtable in Barnet next month with Jewish community leaders.

The council's commitment includes:

  • Strong partnership with CST and Shomrim on safety issues.
  • Funding Barnet's Hate Crime Officer.
  • Promoting bystander training.
  • Holding a community roundtable with Jewish community leaders.

The council's actions reflect its commitment to supporting and defending all of Barnet's communities, ensuring that Barnet remains a borough of empathy and moral clarity.

During the meeting, the council also addressed other important matters, including tributes to former councillors, discussions on high streets and public engagement, and various local issues such as potholes and overparking. These topics, while significant, are covered in separate reports.