“On behalf of Liberal Democrats across the West Midlands, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the Jewish community in Manchester.
“We condemn the cowardly and barbaric attack on a synagogue where ordinary people were going about their daily lives.
“Across the United Kingdom people are rightly shocked that such an incident can occur on our shores.
“Here in the West Midlands, we stand side-by-side in solidarity with our Jewish friends and our Jewish neighbours.
“We must show a better example, and that starts with those of us considered to be community and political leaders. Regardless of our politics, Jewish people in our community or our friends and our neighbours and we must stand side-by-side with them.
“In our region, we have always lived side-by-side in peace and harmony, showing mutual respect and embracing our cultural and religious differences. That is the example we must continue to show to the rest of the country and the world at large.
“The war in Gaza, as horrible as it is must not be used as an excuse for division, racism, or intolerance.
“We condemn all antisemitism, wherever it may occur. We must challenge hatred in all forms, including the divisive rhetoric that is rapidly becoming the norm in our society.
“In this Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, I would normally be celebrating with Jewish members of our community.
“Just a few days ago I was reminded that many people in our local Jewish community are scared to go out due to the increase in hate speech and antisemitism.
“As a society, we must stand up against blame and intolerance. What we need is optimism and hope.
“I wish you all peace.”
Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats
We represent Liberal Democrat Members, Volunteers, Campaigners, Councillors and Candidates within the Local Authority area of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
The Local Authority area straddles three separate parliamentary constituencies - the Solihull West and Shirley constituency, the Meriden and Solihull East constituency and the two Solihull wards in the Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North constituency.
Liberal Democrats in Solihull and Meriden have a long record of action for the community, fighting hard for local residents on issues that are important to local residents.
