Police have identified the victims of a tragic car and knife attack at a synagogue in northwest England, which occurred on the holiest day of the Jewish year. The incident took place at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, claiming the lives of local residents Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Three others remain hospitalized in serious condition following the attack.
The suspect, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot and killed by police shortly after he rammed a car into pedestrians and launched a knife attack outside the synagogue. The assailant was found wearing a fake explosives belt. The attack unfolded as worshippers gathered at the Orthodox synagogue to observe Yom Kippur, the day of atonement in the Jewish calendar.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned the incident, attributing it to a troubling rise in antisemitism both on the streets and online. The attack is being treated as a terrorist act, and investigations into the perpetrator’s motives are ongoing. Amid heightened tensions, religious and political leaders have united in support of the Jewish community, denouncing the violence and expressing solidarity.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to ensure the safety of British Jews and emphasized the importance of unity in the face of such hatred. The incident has sparked discussions about the impact of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on fueling antisemitism, with calls for greater vigilance and control over such events.
Despite the challenging circumstances, leaders are working to reassure the Jewish community and promote a sense of security and belonging in the country. As the investigation continues and the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, efforts are being made to address the underlying issues and prevent further acts of violence.