The deputy chair of the Belfast Jewish community has said he is “overwhelmed” by the level of support they have received in the wake of the Manchester attack.
Speaking to the Irish News, Michael Black said he has received many messages of support in the hours following Thursday’s terror attack at a Synagogue in Manchester, which left two people dead.
The attack happened as members of the city’s Jewish community gathered to celebrate Yom Kippur, the Jewish new year.
“We have had a lot of support since yesterday, he said.
“I’m just sitting here responding to all the emails of good wishes.
It has been very good, it’s overwhelming, in fact.
“I am surprised that people have taken the time to contact us and send such lovely letters.”
Speaking about the feeling around the community since the Manchester attack, Mr. Black says that despite reports of antisemitism elsewhere, he feels that the Belfast community is relatively safe.
“Compared to what’s happening in, say, London or Manchester, we’re very fortunate here so far that we haven’t suffered what they have,” he said
“I don’t want to tempt fate but I know what we’ve experienced here, not just the last two years but over a number of years, compared to the bigger centres of Judaism.
“You’ve got to remember, we’re a very tiny community here, and we’re elderly, and we’re not on social media as such. So we’re not obvious.”
Belfast’s Jewish community has around 54, mostly elderly members remaining, after many of the once thriving community left the city to live elsewhere, including in Manchester, during The Troubles.
Mr Black said Belfast’s community has links to Jewish families in Manchester who moved during that era and still fly back and forth for events and get-togethers throughout the year.
“There were a number of families moved to Manchester,” he said
“A number of my generation moved there and we have an expats group. Every so often they come over and have a party with us and support us, just because our community is very small now and we want to keep it active.”
“What we are feeling today is nothing compared to what the Manchester community are feeling.
“But the sense of connection we have between Belfast and Manchester has added to the shock and also to the feeling of support.”
Greater Manchester Police said Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died after Jihad Al-Shamie drove into a group of people outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue before stabbing a man.
Three others remain in hospital with serious injuries.
One of the victims killed in the synagogue attack on Thursday was hit by police gunfire as officers shot the attacker.
Al-Shamie was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the attack.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.