Hundreds of British Jews apply to be CST volunteers after synagogue terror attack
Community Security Trust describes the surge in applications as 'a powerful reflection of the community’s resilience and strength'
Hundreds of British Jews have applied to become CST volunteers since last Thursday’s terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, with the community security charity describing the surge in volunteers as “a powerful reflection of the community’s resilience and strength”.
In the wake of the terror attack in Manchester in Yom Kippur, more than 300 people from the Jewish community have signed up for training to become CST volunteer security officers, with 150 of those sign-ups taking place within 24 hours of the attack itself.
Responding to the surge in applications, a CST spokesperson said:
“We are extremely grateful to the members of the community who have stepped up to apply to become CST volunteers. This shows a powerful reflection of the community’s resilience and strength.
“We are also incredibly thankful for the generous donations, many of which come from people who aren’t Jewish, but wanted to show their sympathy and support.”
In the aftermath of the attacks, a number of members of the public, including Sunday Times writer Charlotte Ivers and former army officer Andrew Fox, announced that they had donated to the Community Security Trust, and encouraged others to do so as well if they were able. A GoFundMe page started by Fox has raised more than £17,000 in the last four days.
The Community Security Trust trains volunteers from the Jewish community to provide security outside synagogues and at communal events, giving an extra level of protection to British Jews.
On Friday, the organisation confirmed that a CST volunteer was among those hurt during the Manchester terror attack, saying: “one of our CST personnel was seriously injured in yesterday’s terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. We pray for his continuing recovery and salute the courage of all those who helped stop the terrorist from getting into the shul.”
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