Approximately 800 people gathered in Manchester for a memorial service honoring the victims and survivors of the attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue. The event, held nearly a year after the tragedy, served as both a moment of remembrance for the deceased and a public call for societal change regarding antisemitism.
On October 2, 2025, attacker Jihad al-Shamie targeted the synagogue, resulting in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Three other individuals—Andrew Franks, Bernard Agyemang, and Yoni Finlay—were injured while attempting to defend the place of worship. During the memorial, two seats were left empty to represent the lives lost.
Key Memorial Details and Messages
- Victims remembered: Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby
- Injured survivors: Andrew Franks, Bernard Agyemang, and Yoni Finlay
- Key speakers: Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, and Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson
- Commemoration date: Monday, August 31, 2026
- Event purpose: Public memorial ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days to honor victims and address rising antisemitism
In a message read at the commencement of the service, King Charles expressed that his and the Queen’s thoughts remain with those whose lives were disrupted by the attack. He noted that while time has passed, the sense of shock and sorrow remains, adding that hatred must never prevail over shared humanity.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis addressed the congregation, suggesting that the perpetrator was emboldened by a broader climate of antisemitism. He warned that hateful thoughts often escalate into hate speech, which serves as a precursor to violent crime. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner echoed these sentiments, labeling such acts a crisis for society and emphasizing that attacks on the Jewish community are attacks on everyone. She called for a comprehensive, society-wide approach to dismantle extremist ideologies.
Sherelle Dresner, speaking on behalf of the family of Melvin Cravitz, described the aftermath of the attack as an overwhelming and lonely experience. She expressed concern over messages justifying the violence, noting that such rhetoric should alarm the wider public. Yoni Finlay, who survived the attack despite sustaining severe organ damage from a stray police bullet while barricading the doors, shared his personal journey of recovery. He credited the support of his family and the wider community for his survival, stating that the congregation emerged more united than before.
Despite the show of solidarity, concerns regarding safety persist. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who previously welcomed King Charles to the site in October 2025, stated that the Jewish community feels increasingly vulnerable. He noted that many members are living behind heightened security measures, and some, including his own son, have faced direct threats. Raphi Bloom, chair of the Yom Kippur Commemoration, emphasized that the community refuses to be intimidated or driven from the home they have occupied for over two centuries, affirming their commitment to ensuring Jewish life continues to flourish. The report also notes that i have heard this new existence be described by survivors and bereaved families of other terrorist attacks as a club that no-one wants to be a part of; a club that no-one would ever choose to belong to,” she said. The report also notes that that there are people out there justifying his murder and blaming this on his religion”, she said she had received antisemitic abuse and “these messages should worry us all. The report also notes that including a woman who ran “towards danger” to help Melvin, dresner praised those who “put your own lives at risk” on the day to save others. The report also notes that in his address to the service, said: “The attacker came here feeling positive, comfortable in his ways, encouraged and inspired by a tone of deep antisemitism within our society, the chief rabbi. The report also notes that in turn, is only one step away from hate crime, we know so well how hateful thoughts can be translated into hate speech which. The report also notes that rabbi Daniel Walker welcomed King Charles to Heaton Park on 20 October 2025. The report also notes that united, proud and strong,” he said, as Jews we will stand tall.
