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“They attempted to slay us. They were unsuccessful. Let’s dine,” commented Andrew Walters.

That long-standing Jewish saying seems particularly pertinent in Greater Manchester during current dangers.

For the councillor, the good-humoured statement captures the unyielding spirit that marks his traditional Jewish neighbourhood.

This dynamic neighbourhood was identified by an IS sleeper cell, whose scheme to “kill as many Jews as possible” in a rampaging gun attack was foiled. Two suspects were convicted this week on terror-related crimes.

Neighbourhood Unity and Everyday Challenges

As stated by Walters, the foiled plot has not weakened the community’s wish to live harmoniously with its wider community. “A colleague of mine is a religious Muslim and we get on great,” said the financial advisor. “You find good and bad in any group. Most just want to live in tranquility.”

The individuals perceived the Jewish population solely through the distorted lens of prejudice.

They showed no interest in the wide-ranging lifestyles, financial situations, levels of observance and opinions within the city’s Jewish communities, nor in the pressing challenges like poverty that impact many UK communities.

Michelle Ciffer Klein runs a family support centre that helps hundreds of families, including large strictly observant families and some Muslim women. The hub provides mother and baby groups, clinics, guidance, learning programs, and vital food and debt support.

“People outside assume the main issue is safety – that is incorrect,” she said. “Naturally we’re sad and we reflect, but the women I work with are struggling to cope with daily routines, pressure and large families. We don’t judge.”

“The cost of living – kosher food is very costly – energy bills, people who can’t afford milk and nappies, accommodation, welfare issues – that’s what I’m dealing with.”

Increased Security and Unbroken Spirit

Despite these challenges, two unifying themes have grown under pressure. One is a marked shift “towards community solidarity and participation,” per a major community research organisation. The other is a atmosphere of watchfulness on a level rare in most UK towns.

“We can get to an event in two minutes,” said the head of a local civilian patrol group that exchanges intelligence with police.

“The atmosphere is undoubtedly tense,” they continued. “We’ve seen a massive rise in reports to our round-the-clock hotline about concerning behaviour.”

Nonetheless, the councillor emphasised that the Orthodox communities, among the fastest-growing in Europe, did not live in fear. “We love life,” he said. “We have faith that if we die, we’re going to a a higher place. We choose not to be afraid.”

Broader Context and Appeals for Action

Other leading British Jews say that considerably more must be done to confront the risk of Islamist extremism.

While data show that cases with explicit right-wing extremist motivation outnumbered those linked to radical Islamist views last year, the most violent plots in recent years have been perpetrated by individuals inspired by extremist ideology.

“A big part of our work on the safety side is trying to spot and disrupt malicious surveillance of Jewish targets that would precede an attack,” said a policy head from a safety organisation.

They added a series of terror-related and antisemitic incidents originating from areas north of the city, prompting inquiries about the specific dynamics in that region.

Recent tragic events internationally have coincided with Jewish festivals and commemorations, heightening a sense of worldwide anxiety.

Reflection on a Shifting Paradigm

Some leaders suggest that a post-Holocaust paradigm has changed.

“In the UK, there was an view there was a time of acceptance in terms of post-Holocaust understanding of what antisemitism is,” said a spokesperson for a Jewish leadership body. “In my view that perspective is starting to be seen as overly hopeful.”

They continued, “It’s not that we think this time is any more risky than any of those times before, but that there’s no assumption that troubled times won’t come back.”

There is acknowledgement of the efforts being done within Muslim communities to challenge radical narratives, though mainstream voices can feel overwhelmed.

Calls have been made for the authorities to bring forward a new radicalism framework, with an focus on addressing the doctrinal threat presented by extremism, separate from religion or people.

Resilience and Optimism

However, despite the context of security threats, a thread of joyful resilience permeates even solemn occasions.

“At a recent gathering to mark an anniversary, the conversation included the recent local incident,” a leader recounted. “Unexpectedly, at the end, a performer started playing traditional tunes and people started celebrating. That is the positive spin.”

“However I would be untruthful if I said those grave conversations about the prospects of Jewish life in this nation haven’t been ongoing.”