As a result of the attack, two died: 53-year-old Adrian Dolby and 66-year-old Melvin Kravitz. Three others sustained serious injuries. The terrorist was shot dead by police officers who arrived at the scene.

The terrorist – Jihad al-Shami, 35 years old, a British citizen of Syrian origin. He arrived in the United Kingdom in early childhood and obtained British citizenship in 2006. His family has lived in Greater Manchester for at least 30 years. Al-Shami’s father is a well-known orthopedic surgeon in the city. Jihad himself worked as a tutor, teaching English and programming. It is also known that Jihad al-Shami was previously arrested on suspicion of rape. At the time of the attack, he was released on bail.

This attack occurred exactly 11 days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the recognition of Palestine by the United Kingdom. On September 21, 2025, ignoring the fact that Israeli hostages are still held captive by HAMAS terrorists, the British government effectively legitimized Palestine, which has not renounced terrorism.

After the tragedy, Starmer, of course, condemned the attack. He called the assault “barbaric,” expressed condolences to the Jewish community, promised protection and a decisive response to antisemitism “using all mechanisms of justice.” The right words had the opposite effect.

Because it was precisely the policy of his government that created the atmosphere that preceded the attack.

A policy under which pro-Palestinian marches involving thousands took place in the streets of British cities for months. A policy under which demonstrators chanted “from the river to the sea” — a slogan that leaves no room for Israel and no chance for its citizens. A slogan that is a direct call for the destruction of the Jewish state and its people.

A policy under which Jewish students could not appear on university campuses without fear of being attacked. Where rabbis were advised not to wear a kippah in public. Where parents were afraid to send their children to Jewish schools.

Many in British society — not only among Jews — are convinced: what happened was a direct consequence of the Labour government’s policy. A policy that verbally condemns antisemitism but in practice creates conditions for its flourishing. A policy that makes symbolic decisions for the sake of international image and domestic political dividends, without thinking about the consequences for its own citizens.

And this policy culminated in the recognition of Palestine — a kind of reward to HAMAS for the massacre on October 7, 2023. For those who hate Jews, this became a signal: your actions are legitimate. You can continue.

Jihad al-Shami received this signal. And acted.