Jewish worshippers were left ‘shaken’ when an online service was bombarded with swastikas and ‘awful racist images’.
Manchester Reform Synagogue’s Sabbath service was underway on Zoom when a group unmuted themselves to shout abuse.
More people tried to ambush the online meeting as pictures were changed to swastikas and racist imagery.
Rabbi Steen said some people in the service have family members who are Holocaust survivors.
She said: ‘It felt like such an invasion and even though it was online, it felt violent. Our services are a safe space and it was just really shocking for people.’
The horrifying incident on October 22 has been reported as a hate crime.
Greater Manchester Police are investigating and no arrests have been made.
Rabbi Steen said those impacted had been touched by an outpouring of support across the area.
She said: ‘The support from across Greater Manchester, from within and outside the Jewish community, has been amazing and that has really helped.
‘We don’t want to add to fuel to the fire but it’s very important to highlight when things like this happen.’
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has named the incident ‘truly appalling’.
Promising ‘the fullest possible investigation’, he added: ‘Sending a message of support to @rabbirobyn and all the members of her synagogue.’
David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, tweeted: ‘We stand with @rabbirobyn and her people, after their online worship was interrupted by vile antisemitic hatred.
‘Robyn, you and your congregation are our beloved neighbours in our city of Manchester. We are one in our defiance of far-right extremism and all voices of hatred.’
Manchester Reform Synagogue was recently featured in BBC series ‘Ridley Road’.
The show follows the story of the 62 Group which stood up against the rising neo-Nazi movement in Britain after World War II.
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