One Voice Partnership Statement

3rd Oct 2025 | News

One Voice Partnership statement

 #WeStandTogether

 Communities across Brighton & Hove stand together as One Voice

Following the terrorist incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester this morning, the city’s One Voice Partnership strongly condemns this act of violence, targeting of a synagogue, and our Jewish communities.

The Brighton & Hove ‘One Voice Partnership’ reaffirms that we stand together with our Jewish communities and stand together against antisemitism.

We do not tolerate violence against innocent people, wherever it takes place.  Together we speak with one voice against extremist perspectives and terrorist actions.

Mahir Chowdhury, the Chair of the Racial Harassment Forum said: “The incident has deeply shocked and saddened us all.  We send our heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones, those who have been injured, and all our Jewish communities.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and our Jewish Communities.” 

Sabri Ben-Ameur from the Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum said: "We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities in our city and strongly condemn this act of terrorism against the Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest days for Jewish people.” 

 

“We urge all in our city, of faith and no-faith, to respect and uphold the sanctity of places of worship and Holy days.” 

Anthea Ballam, Chair of Brighton & Hove Interfaith Contact Group stated: "Sadly, the threat from terrorism and the threat to our Jewish communities are both real." 

 

"We stand firm that these threats and acts of violence, antisemitism, and hate must stop.”

 

“We will continue our fundamental commitment of unity and respect for all those of faith and none in our city.”

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council added: "To target Jewish people during Yom Kippur, such a sacred day for the Jewish people across the world, is heartbreaking. The rise of antisemitism in recent years is unacceptable and my thoughts are with everyone affected, and with the wider Jewish community who will be feeling the impact of this violence and violation.  We will do all we can to keep our Jewish community safe."

Jess Gibbons, the council's Chief Executive and the chair of the One Voice Partnership said: "The council, together with the One Voice Partnership, will work to promote our city values of respect for all, fairness, equality, and diversity. We reject any attempt to divide, threaten or commit acts of violence in our communities."

 

“Places of worship serve important role for our communities and faith communities should not have to worry about being targeted for who they are.”

 

“Our Jewish community should be able to feel safe to practice and demonstrate faith without the threat of terrorism, violence, or hostility.”

The police and other agencies continue to work to keep the public safe. You can find a statement from police: https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/declaration-of-a-terrorist-incident-in-manchester/

Threat from UK to all forms of terrorism remains at Substantial (meaning an attack is likely) and has remained such since February 2022.

The threat of individuals acting on their own, inspired by their online activity or by other groups or causes is part of the current terrorist threat in the UK. Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. 

 

Reporting suspicious activities

Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism.

Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council ask our residents and communities to remain aware and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity immediately by calling 999 in an emergency or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321

You can use online form to report suspicious or terrorist activity: How to report possible terrorist activity | Metropolitan Police

Report illegal terrorist information, pictures or videos you’ve found on the internet.  

Further resources: Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) and Prevent on the council website.

 

Reporting hate incidents and seeking support

Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe. One Voice members urge everyone to be aware and encourage residents and communities to report any racist, religiously motivated, and all forms of hate incidents within our communities.

Our community safety casework team works closely with the police and our communities to prevent anti-social behaviour and hate incidents and support people affected.

If you have been a victim of a hate incident, our community safety team are here to support you and provide advice. You can contact our team by:

If you are worried or concerned about how the incident has affected you or any of your communities, please do advise Prevent Lead Officer on [email protected] and we will ensure that together with other statutory partners we will respond to community concerns.

 

Anti-racist city

The council has pledged to be an anti-racist council and our anti-racism strategy sets out how we will use our resources and change what we do to actively dismantle racist structures and challenge racial inequality.

You can also find an initial statement from the leader of the council here: Statement on Manchester synagogue attack

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