Heaton Park synagogue attack memorial service attended by 800

Around 800 people gathered at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester to honor the victims and survivors of the tragic attack that took place there last year. Among those in attendance were Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner. The ceremony served as a remembrance for Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who lost their lives defending their place of worship on 2 October 2025, when Jihad al-Shamie launched the assault. Three others were also injured during the attack.

Family members of the deceased and some survivors shared their reflections during the memorial. Sherelle Dresner, representing Melvin Cravitz’s family, expressed the deep sense of isolation and hardship they have endured since the incident. She described the aftermath as a “club that no-one wants to be a part of,” a sentiment echoed by others affected by terrorist attacks. Dresner also spoke about the troubling rise in antisemitic abuse following the attack, highlighting the dangers of people justifying violence based on religion. She paid tribute to those who risked their lives to protect others, including a woman who bravely ran toward danger to assist Melvin.

Rabbi Daniel Walker noted the growing insecurity felt by the Jewish community, which he attributed to increasing antisemitism and insufficient efforts to confront its root causes. He emphasized the perilous progression from hateful thoughts to hate speech and then to hate crimes, reflecting on how the attacker reportedly felt emboldened by a climate of antisemitism. Two reserved seats at the synagogue, inscribed with the names of Cravitz and Daulby, stood as poignant reminders of their loss during the service.

Messages of solidarity were read, including one from King Charles, who expressed ongoing sorrow and sympathy for all affected. He acknowledged the vivid memories of the victims and survivors and stated that “hatred can never prevail over our shared humanity.” Raphi Bloom, chair of the Yom Kippur Commemoration, highlighted resilience as a key theme of the event, stressing that Jewish life in the community will continue to thrive despite the trauma. Government official Angela Rayner condemned antisemitism as a crisis touching everyone and vowed persistent efforts to ensure every Jewish person’s safety. Survivor Yoni Finlay, who was seriously injured during the attack, spoke candidly of the challenges faced by the community, including living with heightened security measures and the painful reality of having to conceal one’s identity

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