Solidarity and Vigilance in British Jewish Community Targeted by Islamic State Plot
An Islamic State sleeper-cell plot in Greater Manchester was recently thwarted, resulting in the conviction of Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein on terrorism offences aimed at Jewish communities. The planned attacks targeted a vibrant Orthodox Jewish area in Kersal and Broughton Park, Salford, where residents have emphasized their resilience and refusal to live in fear.
The Hershel Weiss children and families centre, which serves about 650 families, has actively contributed to community cohesion by launching the Spread a Little Light Hanukah project. Despite concerns around security, the community faces daily challenges such as high kosher food costs, energy bills, housing issues, and benefits.
Enhanced vigilance is evident, with Salford Shomrim able to mobilize quickly and a 24-hour hotline established for reporting suspicious activity, alongside growing community engagement. Contextual analysis by CST and JPR notes a rise in far-right antisemitic incidents in 2024, yet Islamist extremism remains the more violent threat, with Manchester being a notable location for such cases.
Some community leaders have called for a new UK extremism strategy that carefully distinguishes ideology from religion to avoid stigmatizing communities while maintaining proactive counter-extremism efforts.
