Manchester synagogue attack victim 'no longer feels safe in UK'
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A survivor of the deadly 2025 Manchester synagogue attack, Yoni Finlay, has expressed deep concerns about his safety in the UK after learning he could have been a target in an earlier ISIS-inspired plot. During the attack, Finlay was struck by a stray police bullet while defending the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, where two individuals were killed. Now, he fears that antisemitism has grown and normalized in the UK, leading to an undercurrent of hate and threats against Jewish communities.
Finlay attended a 2024 march against antisemitism in Manchester, unaware that a planned attack targeting this event had been foiled by undercover police. The plot involved men like Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, who were convicted of planning gun assaults on Jewish targets in Manchester. These men aimed to attack both the march and Jewish communities, with Saadaoui stating they intended to carry out their plan in North Manchester. Finlay’s son has even faced threats, leading him to avoid wearing a kippah in public.
Reflecting on his experiences, Finlay acknowledges the fear that permeates his daily life but remains determined not to let terrorism or hatred dictate his actions. He emphasized the importance of standing against antisemitism and hate, despite the risks. While his story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities in the UK, it also underscores the resilience of those who refuse to be intimidated by such threats.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026