Community in ‘harder position than immediately after synagogue attack – rabbi

For the Heaton Park congregation, Rabbi Walker said a “year of difficulty and of grief and of pain” had been made even harder by the attacks elsewhere.

“Something has gone seriously wrong in our society,” he said.

“I think we’re dealing with symptoms. We’re extremely grateful for the increased security, but I don’t think there’s really any evidence of anyone dealing with the core problems.

“And on the contrary, in many ways, those may have become worse over the last months.”

Angela Rayner told the BBC the government would “not allow hatred to drive people from their communities, to make them afraid to live and practise their faith freely or to divide our country”.

“Antisemitism is a poison, and we won’t stop fighting it until every Jewish person can live their lives fully, and free from fear,” the cabinet minister for communities said.

A memorial service will take place at Heaton Park synagogue later to commemorate the victims and survivors.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Mayor of Manchester Bev Craig will be among those attending.

For those affected by the attack, the physical and emotional consequences are still being felt.

Bernard Agyemang, a security guard, is still recovering from the severe injuries he suffered when al-Shamie drove a car into him before trying to get into the synagogue with a knife.