‘This is what we’ve been afraid of’: British Jews after the Manchester attack

The podcast episode focuses on the emotional aftermath of a terror attack in Manchester where two individuals were killed and several others injured. Interviewed is Abigail Radner, a member of the local Jewish community, who reflects on the personal and communal devastation following the attack as it occurred during Yom Kippur, a critical moment in the Jewish calendar. Radner recounts her distress upon hearing about the incident, highlighting the constant fear among Jews regarding anti-Semitic violence.

The discussions delve into the systematic anti-Semitism that has grown in the UK, underscoring that many community members had feared such an attack was inevitable. Radner emphasizes the strain on daily life, noting increased security measures that have become the norm in Jewish spaces, such as schools and synagogues. The episode also invites insight from Dr. Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust, who discusses the rising tide of anti-Semitic incidents and the heightened vigilance required to protect the community.

Political reactions to the attack are explored, emphasizing the outrage and frustration within the Jewish community regarding the lack of serious governmental action against anti-Semitism. The episode closes by contemplating the complex intersection of political protests and community safety, questioning how to address both societal grievances and the need for Jewish safety without resorting to extremes.