MANCHESTER, England (AP) Two Jewish men tragically lost their lives during a violent attack at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The victims, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed while heroically attempting to prevent the assailant from entering the synagogue. Three others are currently hospitalized in serious condition following the attack.
Police responded swiftly, shooting and killing the suspect within seven minutes after he drove a car into pedestrians outside the synagogue and began attacking them with a knife. Authorities classified the incident as an act of terrorism. The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, wore what appeared to be an explosives belt, which was later determined to be fake. Chief of Greater Manchester Police, Stephen Watson, indicated that Al-Shamie’s potential motivations might be rooted in Islamic extremism.
As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Daulby was possibly struck by a police officer's gunfire, as the attacker was not armed with a firearm. A preliminary assessment by a pathologist confirmed that Daulby had suffered a gunshot wound. Watson commended Daulby and another congregation member as heroes for their courageous actions to thwart the attack.
The attack has occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. A vigil held for the victims soon after the incident drew numerous attendees who paid their respects despite the downpour. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced criticism from attendees who accused the government of allowing antisemitism to proliferate.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis articulated that the attack is indicative of the pervasive issue of antisemitic sentiment both on the streets and online, stating it was a day that the community had dreaded but feared might eventually come.
Jihad Al-Shamie, the attacker, was described as a British citizen of Syrian descent who had previously been released on bail regarding allegations of rape. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate if he acted alone or if there is a broader network involved. Police have arrested six additional individuals suspected of being linked to the attack, although further details about their identities have not been disclosed.
Political and religious leaders condemned the attack and emphasized the need to support the Jewish community in Britain, which contains around 300,000 individuals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the violence as a blatant act of terror targeting Jews solely because of their faith. Starmer underscored the importance of solidarity among people of all faiths in the wake of such horrific acts.
In light of the attack, additional police presence has been deployed across Manchester to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. The incident sparked broader discussions around antisemitism, especially in relation to the numerous pro-Palestinian protests that have occurred since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Although many demonstrations have been peaceful, certain chants have been criticized for inciting violence, raising concerns among various community leaders.
Mirvis expressed alarm over the potential consequences regarding public demonstrations, urging authorities to act decisively to mitigate any fallout from the growing antisemitic sentiment. The increase in reported antisemitic incidents in the UK, especially following the conflict, has led many to scrutinize the impact of ongoing protests and the rhetoric surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue.
As the community comes to terms with the aftermath of this horrific attack, it is imperative for leaders across various sectors to promote dialogue, discourage hatred, and work collectively to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens, reinforcing a commitment to peace and mutual respect.
