UK police name 2 victims of Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur
Police in Greater Manchester have named the two men killed in a shocking car and knife attack on a synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The incident, now under investigation as a terrorist attack, has sparked widespread concern over rising antisemitism in the UK.
The victims were local residents Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. They died after the assault at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, a suburb of Manchester in northwest England. Three other people remain in serious condition in the hospital.
The attack unfolded Thursday morning as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur services. A suspect rammed his car into pedestrians outside the synagogue, then jumped out and stabbed people with a knife. Officers shot and killed the man just seven minutes later. He was wearing what looked like an explosives belt, but police later confirmed it was fake.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. He arrived in the UK as a young child and gained citizenship in 2006. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that Al-Shamie wasn’t on any watchlists or known to the Prevent counter-terrorism program, which spots potential radicalization risks.
Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called the violence a tragic outcome of an “unrelenting wave of antisemitism.” In a social media post, he wrote, “This is the day we hoped we would never see, but which deep down, we knew would come.” His words highlight growing fears in the Jewish community amid reports of increasing Jew hatred across the country.
Police continue to probe Al-Shamie’s motive in this Manchester synagogue attack. On Thursday, they arrested three people—two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s—on suspicion of preparing or committing acts of terrorism.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the “vile” assailant, saying he targeted Jews simply because they are Jews. Speaking directly to the community, Starmer promised, “I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve.” He added that in the coming days, Britain would show its compassionate side, uniting to support Jewish families and ensure they feel safe and welcome in the country.
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