Sacha Baron Cohen has condemned the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue as 'part of the biggest surge in hatred of Jews since the Nazis'.
The North London-born actor and comedian, who is Jewish, voiced his concern to his 1.2million followers on Instagram just days after Islamist terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, targeted Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both members of Manchester's Jewish community, were killed during the murderous rampage, which coincided with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Another three people remain in hospital.
In an update last night, police said six people are now in custody on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack - comprising three men and three women aged between 18 and 60.
Taking to Instagram to share his thoughts, Baron Cohen said the attack had occurred amid rising levels of antisemitism and warned it was 'not a one-off'.
According to Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism rates in the UK, there were 1,521 antisemitic incidents between January to June 2025 - the second-highest total of anti-Jewish hate incidents ever recorded by CST in the first half of any year.
The largest number ever recorded came in the first six months of 2024, which saw 2,019 antisemitic incidents reported in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Baron Cohen wrote: 'The murder of Jews at a Manchester synagogue is not a one-off. It's part of the biggest surge in hatred of Jews since the Nazis.'
The 53-year-old, best known for his comedic alter-egos Borat and Ali G, added: 'No one should have to risk their lives to pray.'
His comments came as Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was booed and heckled by mourners at last night's vigil for the victims of the synagogue terror attack.
In astonishing scenes, the Deputy Prime Minister was told by furious members of Manchester's Jewish community that he had 'blood on his hands'.
Amid chants of 'shame on you', Mr Lammy was accused of allowing anti-Semitism to grow on the streets, and urged to 'stop the marches' by pro-Palestinian groups.
It also emerged yesterday that Al-Shamie was on bail for alleged rape when he carried out the attack, while Greater Manchester Police revealed that one of the attack victims was shot dead by the force’s armed officers.
Another injured worshipper, who remains in a serious condition, additionally suffered a gunshot wound. Both are believed to have been standing behind the synagogue door trying to stop Al-Shamie from gaining entry.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed they were investigating the use of lethal force by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers.
Ministers will face fresh anger today as a protest in support of banned terror group Palestine Action will go ahead just days after the attack after organisers ignored pleas from the police and Government to call it off.
Baron Cohen's comments add to a growing number of celebrities who have condemned Thursday's attack.
JK Rowling told her followers on X in that she feels 'appalled and ashamed' that Jewish people in Britain no longer feel safe following yesterday’s terrorist attack on a synagogue. Ms Rowling had retweeted online influencer Laura Marcus, who commented: 'I wonder how most Brits feel when they hear Jews say they no longer feel safe in the UK?'
TV personality Stacey Solomon revealed that being Jewish felt 'scary' and 'heartbreaking' in the wake of the attack.
In a statement on Instagram, she wrote: 'It is heartbreaking to hear of the attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur. My thoughts & prayers are with everyone affected,' she wrote.
'I’m also thinking of anyone right now who feels scared for themselves & their loved ones just because of who they are. Being Jewish feels scary & that is heartbreaking.'
Stacey also acknowledged her support for Palestinians in Gaza, adding: ‘It goes without saying, although I’ve said this before, my thoughts are also with the innocent people in Gaza.
‘Being proudly Jewish & being against the horrific attack today does not cancel the other.
‘I realise no matter what I say. Someone somewhere won’t like it. But all I really have to say is that none of this is ok.’
Meanwhile broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder, 47, whose grandfather fled to Britain after his family was wiped out in the Holocaust, echoed similar calls for solidarity with the UK's Jewish community.
The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by officers at the scene just seven minutes after the first 999 call
Al-Shamie, 35, targeted Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday. It is believed he was a father and is pictured holding a child
The road where the first three arrests took place was cordoned off and put under armed guard
In a tweet, he criticised those who still allowed anti-Semitism to cloud their view on a horrific attack that left two worshippers stabbed to death on Yom Kippur - the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
'Some still answer this atrocity with "what about..."', he said.
He also urged: 'If you believe in Britain (wherever you're from & whatever your faith) you must stand with us.'
'Many Jews cannot imagine a future here and history tells us what follows when that happens.'