Manchester stands together

03 Oct 2025

A message from Professor Duncan Ivison

Dear colleagues,

The horrific terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue was shocking. Like all of you, my thoughts go first to the victims and their loved ones.

Many in our community are grieving and afraid. Our Jewish students and colleagues are in a state of shock and mourning after an attack on a place of worship on their holiest day of the year.

I have visited the synagogue and attended a vigil on Friday afternoon to convey our sorrow and support.

As I contemplate the fear and anxiety that so many of you will be experiencing, I want to be clear: hate has no place on our campus, or in our city.

The University of Manchester stands as one against all forms of violence and hatred. We believe in freedom of speech and robust, respectful debate, but we will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of racism, prejudice, abuse, or harassment.

I will do everything I can to ensure our campus remains a place where difference is valued, and where safety and dignity are non-negotiable for everyone. I am here to listen to you and support you. Since the attack, I have been in touch with our Jewish and Muslim chaplains, as well as community leaders, and we will be working together over the coming weeks to demonstrate our deep commitment to building a safe, tolerant and inclusive city region.

I encourage you to seek help if you need it. You can contact a range of services through our employee assistance programme, Health Hero with some services available 24/7.

Above all, I encourage everyone to show compassion and respect. Check in on friends and colleagues. If you are a line manager, make adjustments for those feeling unsafe. If you witness harassment or hate, report it. If you feel unsafe – whether on campus or in the city - seek help. Remember you can download the SafeZone app, which you can use to call for help 24/7 should you need it whilst on the University campus. We have also increased security on campus, as a precaution.

What happened is truly awful. Manchester’s strength lies in how we choose to respond: standing together, rejecting division, and protecting and supporting those who need it most. The next few days and weeks will be difficult for many in our community. But I know we will come together to meet those challenges.

Best wishes,

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor