Inside Israel’s Tense Yom Kippur
Terror Attack, Rockets, and the Arrest of Greta Thunberg - Everything That Happened Over Yom Kippur
Over Yom Kippur, Israel faced rocket fire on Ashdod, a deadly confrontation at sea as the IDF intercepted the Gaza-bound “Sumud” flotilla carrying hundreds of activists including Greta Thunberg, and fierce battles in Gaza that left an IDF officer seriously wounded. Abroad, tragedy struck the Jewish community in Manchester, where two worshippers were killed in a terror attack outside a synagogue during holiday prayers.
Manchester Synagogue Attack on Yom Kippur
On October 2, 2025, Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, a terror attack struck Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, England. A man drove a car into pedestrians outside the synagogue and then stabbed bystanders, killing two people and wounding several others before being shot dead by police. Authorities declared the assault a terrorist incident. The suspect was reportedly wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest, though later assessments concluded it was not viable. The attack triggered heightened security at Jewish institutions across the UK and widespread condemnation from national leaders.
Rocket Fire on Ashdod
On Yom Kippur evening, air-raid sirens sounded in Ashdod, Nitzan, and the Nitzanim coastal area after five rockets were launched from northern Gaza. According to the IDF, four were intercepted by the Iron Dome, while one landed in an open area. No casualties were reported, though Magen David Adom confirmed one person was lightly injured while running to shelter. The attack underscored the tense security situation, disrupting the holiday calm in Israel’s south.
IDF Intercepts the Gaza “Sumud” Flotilla
During the fast day, Israeli naval forces and Shayetet 13 commandos carried out a large-scale operation to intercept the “Sumud Flotilla” heading toward Gaza. Over the night and into the morning, roughly 40 vessels with more than 200 international activists, including Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and several European parliamentarians, were boarded and diverted to Israel. All passengers are reported safe and will be deported after processing. Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the flotilla as a Hamas-linked provocation blocked from breaching the naval blockade, while organizers condemned the move as an unlawful “abduction in international waters,” sparking protests and diplomatic demands for explanations from governments in Europe and Asia.
Arrests in Germany Linked to Potential Threats on Jewish Targets
German law enforcement detained three men in Berlin on suspicion of planning attacks against Jewish institutions. Prosecutors accuse them of acting as foreign operatives for Hamas, involved in procuring weapons and ammunition. The suspects face charges under German anti-terror legislation. This case reflects continued vigilance in Europe against threats targeting Jewish communities.