An Israeli government official has disclosed that right-wing activist Tommy Robinson has been extended an invitation to visit Israel, being referred to as a “trusted partner.”
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, announced plans to host the “patriotic figure from Britain” on behalf of the state later this month. This announcement came shortly after a terror incident transpired outside a synagogue in Manchester.
Chikli emphasized that Israel and the Jewish community express unwavering solidarity with their allies in the United Kingdom following the tragic attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
In a social media post, Chikli praised Robinson as a bold figure actively opposing radical Islam. He stressed the importance of forging strong partnerships with allies who denounce silence in the face of growing antisemitism across Europe.
Regarding the incident outside the synagogue on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar, the perpetrator, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was fatally shot by armed police at the scene.
Authorities have indicated that the attacker may have been influenced by extreme Islamist beliefs, and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. Six individuals are currently detained on suspicion of involvement in acts of terrorism related to the attack.
Two individuals, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, lost their lives in the tragic event, with both being remembered as valued members of their local communities. Police reports revealed that Mr. Daulby, aged 53, was accidentally shot by armed officers while they attempted to prevent the assailant from entering the synagogue.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has announced that it will conduct an inquiry into the incident.