Leaders of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester have described the deadly attack on their synagogue during Yom Kippur as a “desecration” that has “changed us all forever.” The community is mourning the loss of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, who were killed in the assault on Thursday.
Police are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, drove a car into a crowd and stabbed a man before being shot dead at the scene. Greater Manchester Police also confirmed that one of the victims was tragically killed by police gunfire. Three other people remain in hospital with serious injuries.
In a joint statement, the synagogue’s leadership expressed “unimaginable” grief, remembering the victims not just as members but as “our friends, our family.” They conveyed profound gratitude to the Community Security Trust and emergency services, crediting their “swift and selfless actions” with saving countless lives. They also framed the attack as an “assault not only on Jews, but upon our shared values,” calling for national solidarity to challenge antisemitism as the greatest tribute to the victims.
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited the site and pledged to ensure the Jewish community remains “safe and secure.” A community vigil is scheduled for Friday evening to honor the victims and offer a space for “reflection, support and collective strength.”
