Policing for Jewish High Holy Days

Date published: 24 August 2010

Greater Manchester Police is running a special operation to help ensure the Jewish community enjoys one of the most important religious festivals on its calendar.

The High Holy Days begin on the evening of Wednesday 8 September 2010, and include the Eve of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, Yom Kippur before ending on Friday 1 October 2010.

There are Jewish communities across the whole of Greater Manchester, but there is a particular concentration in Bury, Salford, Trafford and the north of Manchester.

GMP has been working closely with the Jewish Community Security Trust (CST) and members of the Jewish communities to provide a coordinated approach to the policing of the festivities.

There will be additional patrols before and after services at synagogues covering the main pedestrian routes that Jewish people take from their homes.

Joint foot patrols by police officers and members of CST - an organisation that provides reassurance and security advice to the Jewish community - will also once again be a feature of the enhanced security precautions being taken to deter any anti-Semitism and criminal activity during this period.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Jon Rush said: “The High Holy Days are a combination of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. We are working closely again this year with CST and putting extra patrols in place to make sure people feel safe and have easy access to police officers and reporting centres.

“We received really positive feedback from the Jewish community last year and are planning to deliver another quality service throughout this year’s festive period.”

CST spokesman Mark Gardner said: "The support and reassurance we receive from Greater Manchester Police throughout the year is always appreciated. The High Holy Days are an important period for all Jewish communities and we look forward to working with GMP, to provide a safe and secure environment for people to attend synagogue and celebrate the upcoming festivals."

Mobile police stations will be made available at the following locations:
· Opposite the Holy Law Synagogue on Bury Old Rd, Prestwich
· Outside the Synagogue on Shay Lane, Hale (alternating with The Firs, Bowdon)
· Northumberland Street, Salford
· The gate-house at Sedgley Park Training College on Sedgley Park Road will also be open in order to facilitate reporting.