Manchester a city united

To be read before minutes silence. We are holding a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the horrific attack in Manchester Arena on Monday night. 22 were killed and 59 injured. Thousands of innocent young people had what should have been a joyful night ended by an appalling bomb attack. Some of the victims were young - several were school pupils including at least one who was at primary school. The person or people who did this meant to hit where it hurts most. How should we respond? We need to mourn those who have died and send our sympathy and solidarity to the people of Manchester. But we need to do more. When people in Manchester came together at a vigil they mourned the victims but also celebrated their city. Leaders of all different religions in the city condemned the attack and stood united. Sikh temples provided food and Muslim taxi drivers gave free lifts home after the attack. The purpose of terrorism is to demoralise people and divide communities. The terrorists want to drive us apart, to sow suspicion and fear. The man who did this was a terrorist not a Muslim. People who end up blaming all Muslims for an attack carried out by one extremist are giving in to the terrorists aims. Here at the academy we share a wonderful multicultural/ multi faith community and we have shared good times and bad times together. We will feel sad and shocked at these events and we must remember the victims but together we must also stand united against all forms of hatred and division.

A minute’s silence as a mark of respect

Let us Pray

Words we can learn from…

We will not focus on the one act of hatred but the many acts of love… Steve, a homeless man rushed to help the injured even pulling nails out of a young girls face. “just because I’m homeless doesn’t mean I don’t have a heart.” Derek Cartwright, chief executive of North West Ambulance Service commented, “Our staff worked tirelessly throughout the night to coordinate the large scale response with 60 ambulances attending the horrifying scene in the city.” “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.”

Local taxi drivers gave free lifts to take people home Domino’s pizza delivered food to NHS staff Hundreds of people queued to give blood This woman led 50 children to safety during the attack Over £1.5 million has been donated Rabbi brought tea to the police