In a distressing revelation, Yoni Finlay, a survivor of a violent attack on a Manchester synagogue, has expressed his growing unease regarding safety for the Jewish community in the UK. Following the shocking discovery of a foiled terror plot aimed at the Jewish population, Finlay’s fears underscore a troubling trend of rising antisemitism in the country.
A Terrifying Encounter
Finlay, 40, was present during a harrowing incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in October 2025, where he was struck by a stray police bullet while securing the synagogue’s doors against an armed assailant. The attack resulted in two fatalities, leaving a lasting impact on Finlay and the wider community. He has been acutely aware of the potential for violence in his neighbourhood, stating, “You fear somebody is going to attack us… there’s always a chance of something happening.”
Unbeknownst to him, this fear was compounded by the revelation that he narrowly escaped being involved in an earlier, more devastating attack. Authorities thwarted a sinister plan orchestrated by Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, who intended to launch a lethal assault on the Jewish community in Manchester. Prosecutors labelled it as potentially “the UK’s most deadly terror attack” had it not been intercepted.
Foiled Terror Plot
The two men had conspired to smuggle firearms into the UK as part of an “Isis-inspired plot” targeting the Jewish community. They aimed to execute their attack during a march against antisemitism scheduled for the summer of 2024. Saadaoui’s chilling messages revealed their intentions to carry out acts of violence against the largest Jewish community outside of London. He even conducted reconnaissance with an undercover police officer, scoping out potential targets.
Finlay was among the many citizens who participated in the summer march, entirely unaware of the lurking threat. It was only after his recovery from the shooting that he learned of the foiled plot, prompting him to reflect on the current climate of antisemitism in the UK. “I think for everybody there was an element of it was going to happen because antisemitism has been allowed to grow and fester and become normalised,” he stated, capturing the anxiety shared by many.
A Community in Fear
The atmosphere of fear has permeated daily life for many in the Jewish community. Finlay revealed that his son now refrains from wearing a kippah in public due to the possibility of being targeted. “He has had threats, he has had things shouted at him,” Finlay explained. Despite being a lifelong Mancunian and a devoted Manchester United supporter, he articulated a painful contradiction: “I feel I belong, but at the same time it’s not safe for us.”
Yet, in the face of such adversity, Finlay remains resolute. He emphasised the importance of not allowing fear to dictate personal freedoms, stating, “I think it’s important to not allow terrorism, to not allow hatred to win.”
Sentencing of the Perpetrators
The legal proceedings that followed the plot’s exposure resulted in significant prison sentences for Saadaoui and Hussein. Both men were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and received life sentences, with minimum terms of 37 and 26 years, respectively. A third accomplice, Bilel Saadaoui, 36, was also convicted for failing to report the conspiracy, receiving a six-year sentence.
The judicial outcome serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of hatred and violence, but it does little to assuage the fears that linger in the community.
Why it Matters
The rising tide of antisemitism in the UK is not merely a statistic; it manifests in real fears and experiences like those of Yoni Finlay and countless others. The thwarted attack highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness, community solidarity, and effective counter-terrorism measures. As societal tensions escalate, it is imperative that we confront hatred in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe environment for all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds.
