Prayer following Terrorist Attack, Manchester Arena, 23.05.17

This Shabbat our thoughts are with the people of Manchester, and all those affected by the horrific suicide-bomb attack at the Manchester Arena on Tuesday evening, which targeted young people, including children.

In particular, our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the 22 people killed and over 100 people injured – and to all those, who sustained injuries, which in some cases have been severe and life-changing.

Let us take a moment to reflect.

The terrorist assault on Tuesday has shattered the lives of those killed and injured and their loved ones. Let us pray that the bereaved and maimed find the courage and the support they need to carry on.

We may feel powerless in the face of hate-fuelled violence, but we have a responsibility to ourselves to refuse to allow terror and fear to overwhelm us. Let our response to the terrorist’s murderous deeds be an affirmation of life and of our capacity as human beings to reach out towards others with compassion. Standing in solidarity with the people of Manchester, may we be inspired by their example of courage to defy the cowardly forces of hatred and division and to continue to build bonds of friendship between those of all ethnicities and religions and between all the different communities that constitute our rainbow nation.

And let us say: Amen.

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah

Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagofue