Political activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu has faced widespread condemnation after appearing to link Israel’s actions to the deadly terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue that left two people dead on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
According to reports, the author and commentator suggested that “Israel’s war crimes endanger all Jews” in response to the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, where a terrorist drove a car into pedestrians and launched a stabbing attack before being shot dead by police. Three others remain in serious condition following the assault, which has been officially designated as terrorism by counter-terrorism police.
The controversial comments, reportedly posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), have sparked immediate backlash from users who accused the activist of exploiting a tragedy to advance political arguments about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Immediate Backlash from Social Media Users
According to the reported social media exchanges, Dr Mos-Shogbamimu’s post read: “Horrified not shocked about Manchester Synagogue – Israel’s war crimes endangers all Jews. Not shocked Zionists are weaponising it against Free Palestine protests & inciting hatred against Muslims which is already astronomical. My condolences are with the victims, 2 are now deceased.”
The comments prompted fierce criticism from social media users who condemned the timing and nature of the remarks. One user reportedly responded: “Appalling. You can’t even let Jewish people have their grief for a few hours without making it about yourself.”
Another critic stated: “Israel has no bearing on this attack. It is murder pure and simple. It is very cynical to suggest a link to Palestine.” A third user added: “No Jew should be under attack for the Israeli government’s actions; that’s not Israel’s fault, that’s the perpetrator who clearly has sick enough thoughts to carry out this attack. You’re trying to spin this one and point blame elsewhere.”
The Manchester Terror Attack
The attack occurred on Thursday morning when a man drove a vehicle at worshippers outside the synagogue before launching a knife attack. Assistant Metropolitan Police Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirmed the incident was being treated as terrorism, with two arrests made in connection with the attack.
The terrorist, who appeared to be wearing what looked like an explosive device strapped to his body, was shot dead by armed police at 9:38am after officers were called to the scene. Greater Manchester Police declared “PLATO” – the national codeword used when responding to marauding terrorist attacks.
The assault took place as hundreds of worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur services, with witnesses describing how Rabbi Walker heroically barricaded congregants inside the synagogue, preventing the attacker from entering and potentially saving many lives.
History of Controversial Statements
Dr Mos-Shogbamimu, a lawyer, author and regular media commentator on issues of race and politics, has previously faced criticism for her statements about Israel. In February 2024, the family of Sage software co-founder David Goldman cut ties with Newcastle University after the institution awarded her an honorary doctorate, following tweets in which she appeared to compare Israel to Nazi Germany.
The activist had written: “I condemn the State of Israel with every fibre of my being. What is coming out of Gaza is incomprehensible. Scale of evil Israel is perpetrating against Palestinians is staggering. We must never forgive Israel for this. Just like Nazi Germany, one day justice will be served on it.”
In January 2024, she sparked further controversy by calling the Auschwitz Memorial Museum “an embarrassment to humanity” after it expressed solidarity with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks. The museum had released a statement supporting Israel’s right to self-defence whilst calling for the immediate release of hostages.
Political Connections Under Scrutiny
The controversy has renewed attention on Dr Mos-Shogbamimu’s connections within British politics. Foreign Secretary David Lammy had previously provided a promotional quote for her 2021 book “This is Why I Resist: Don’t Define My Black Identity,” describing it as “written with fearless articulacy” and stating it would “recalibrate the conversation on race.
Following previous controversies, Lammy has reportedly distanced himself from the activist. The quote, however, continues to appear prominently on the book’s promotional materials and on Dr Mos-Shogbamimu’s social media profiles.
Rising Antisemitism Concerns
The Manchester attack and subsequent commentary come amid heightened concerns about antisemitism in Britain. According to the Community Security Trust, antisemitic incidents have reached record levels, with more than 1,500 incidents recorded in the first half of 2025 alone – the second-highest total ever reported.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to the Manchester attack by stating that British Jews are “currently suffering from a horrific wave of antisemitism,” adding: “The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.”
Expert Commentary on Rhetoric
Security experts and community leaders have emphasised the importance of responsible discourse following terrorist attacks. The suggestion that Jews anywhere should be held responsible for Israeli government policies has been widely condemned as a form of antisemitism by Jewish organisations and anti-racism campaigners.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Community Security Trust have consistently maintained that British Jews should not be targeted or blamed for events in the Middle East, regardless of political views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Professional Background
Dr Mos-Shogbamimu is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales and an attorney in New York, with experience in international finance. She founded the publication Women in Leadership and has appeared regularly on television programmes including ITV’s Good Morning Britain, BBC, Sky News, and CNN as a commentator on issues including racism, women’s rights, and politics.
She has been described by Vogue magazine as one of “8 Educational Black Voices To Listen And Learn From Now” and has delivered TEDx talks on resistance and refusing to be defined by race or gender. She also serves on L’Oréal’s Women Advisory Board and is a trustee for Reprieve UK.
Security Threats
In February 2023, Dr Mos-Shogbamimu reported receiving death threats from the proscribed neo-Nazi terrorist group National Action, with a letter delivered to her home containing threats against her and her family. The Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command launched an investigation into the threats.
The letter, which contained racist abuse and named her husband and home address, stated she was on a “kill list” and would be “executed.” The incident highlighted the serious security threats faced by high-profile activists across the political spectrum.
Calls for Unity
Community leaders and politicians have called for unity in the wake of the Manchester attack, emphasising that terrorism must be condemned unequivocally regardless of political views. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated: “Today we have witnessed a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day. We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe.”
The Chief Rabbi and leaders from various faith communities have urged against using tragedies to advance political arguments, calling instead for solidarity with victims and their families during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation into the Manchester synagogue attack continues, with two suspects arrested in connection with the incident, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant whilst avoiding speculation about motives or making connections to broader political issues.
The focus, community leaders emphasise, should remain on supporting the victims, their families, and the traumatised Jewish community, rather than using the tragedy to advance political narratives about conflicts thousands of miles away.
Dr Mos-Shogbamimu could not be reached for additional comment at the time of publication.
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Image Credit:
Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu — photo licensed under CC BY 4.0
