The New Statesman: politics and culture Dispatch from the Manchester synagogue attack
Oct 3, 2025
Ethan Croft, a political reporter for the New Statesman, shares his harrowing experience reporting on the horrific synagogue attack in Manchester. He describes the tense atmosphere upon arrival and emphasizes the impact of the incident on the close-knit Jewish community. Discussion reveals the grassroots security measures at synagogues and the rise in anti-Semitic incidents. The conversation also addresses political responses, including Keir Starmer's solidarity, and raises ethical questions about media coverage of the attacker's motives.
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Eerie Suburban Scene At Cordon
- Ethan Croft arrived on foot to the Crumpsall scene and described an eerie, tense suburban atmosphere with an SAS helicopter overhead.
- He observed press vans, eyewitnesses, relatives and livestreaming 'auditors' behaving disruptively around the police cordon.
Why The Area Felt So Shockingly Out Of Place
- Croft described Crumpsall as a leafy, walkable area attractive to Jewish families with large semi-detached houses and tree-lined streets.
- He said such visible violence and heavy policing were completely out of keeping with the neighbourhood's normal safety and rhythm.
Timing Of Attack Deepened Community Shock
- Yom Kippur observance meant many worshippers and public figures only learned the news late, because they avoid using phones until sunset.
- That delayed awareness shaped the community's immediate reaction and grieving process on the holiest day.