Hundreds of people gathered at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Monday to commemorate the victims of a jihadist attack that occurred on Yom Kippur nearly a year prior. The service honored Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who died as a result of the assault.
Among the attendees were British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Angela Rayner, the UK's Communities Secretary. Relatives of the victims and some survivors shared their experiences during the memorial service. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was among those who helped keep the attacker outside the synagogue during the attack, stated that the Jewish community feels less safe now than in the immediate aftermath of the event.
He noted that a lack of action to address underlying issues has left many members of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation and British Jews more broadly feeling increasingly vulnerable. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region released a statement emphasizing strength, unity, and resilience, asserting that hatred would not define the community. The council noted that the terrorist attempted to close the synagogue, but instead, it was filled.
Messages were sent by King Charles and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. King Charles expressed his thoughts and prayers for those whose lives were disrupted, recalling his visit to the synagogue shortly after the attack as a deeply moving and heartbreaking experience. Prime Minister Burnham sent love and support to the Jewish community in Manchester and beyond, remembering those killed defending their synagogue and offering thoughts to their families and all affected by the attack.