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Tragedy on the Holiest Day
A terror attack on Thursday shattered the solemn observance of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. Two worshippers were killed and several others injured after an assailant carried out a combined ramming and stabbing assault outside the synagogue.
The suspect, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest, though initial reports suggest it was either fake or non-functional.
Sequence of Events
Eyewitnesses reported that the attacker first drove his vehicle into people gathered near the entrance before exiting and wielding a knife against those nearby, including a synagogue security guard. Worshippers who had been attending services for Yom Kippur fled in panic, with some attempting to shield children and elderly members of the congregation.
Police arrived within minutes. In the ensuing chaos, officers discharged firearms, neutralizing the suspect. Tragically, investigators now confirm that one of the two victims may have been fatally struck by police gunfire during the operation.
The Victims
Authorities identified the victims as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Both were long-standing members of Manchester’s Jewish community. Friends described Daulby as “a devoted family man” and Cravitz as “a pillar of the congregation.”
Several others sustained injuries and remain hospitalized, some in serious condition.
Police and Security Response
Greater Manchester Police officially designated the incident a terrorist attack, launching a nationwide counterterrorism investigation. Three additional individuals — two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s — were taken into custody in connection with the assault.
Security at synagogues and Jewish institutions across the United Kingdom has been significantly increased. Patrols have been stepped up, and plain-clothes officers are being deployed in areas with large Jewish populations.
Political and Royal Condemnation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attack, calling it “an attack on Jews for no other reason than their faith.” He returned early from an overseas trip to oversee the government’s emergency response.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing their “deep sorrow” and solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community.
Israeli leaders reacted sharply, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting Britain’s response to extremist rhetoric has been too weak, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused the UK of allowing a “toxic wave of antisemitism” to flourish.
Rising Concerns About Antisemitism
The attack has heightened fears among Jewish communities already reporting an increase in threats, harassment, and violence in recent years. Analysts link the rise in antisemitic incidents to wider global tensions and extremist propaganda circulating online.
Community leaders in Manchester described the attack as “a horrific reminder of the dangers of unchecked incitement.” Muslim and interfaith organizations in the city joined Jewish groups in condemning the violence and calling for unity.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are examining the attacker’s digital devices, communications, and recent travel to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a larger network. While no confirmed international links have been established, counterterrorism officials say the investigation is ongoing.
The UK government has pledged additional funding for synagogue protection and reinforced its commitment to ensuring that Jewish citizens can practice their faith without fear.
Mourning and Vigilance
As the Jewish community in Manchester mourns the loss of two respected members, vigils are being organized across the UK. Religious and civic leaders have emphasized the importance of solidarity in the face of hate.
The attack, occurring on the holiest day of the Jewish year, underscores both the vulnerability of faith communities and the urgent need for stronger protections against extremist violence.
