Full Breakdown
Heaton Park Synagogue Memorial Brings Community Together
9/1/2026, 8:18:17 PM
Core Event: Service Remembers Victims of 2025 Attack
A memorial service was held at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester to honor the two men killed and the three others injured when attacker Jihad al-Shamie forced his way into the synagogue on October 2, 2025. About 800 people, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, gathered for the ceremony. Empty seats bore the names of the deceased, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby.
Background & Context
The assault occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and has been described as a “terrorist” attack. Cravitz, 66, died from multiple knife wounds inflicted by al-Shamie; Daulby, 53, was struck by a police-firearm bullet while trying to hold the synagogue doors shut. Three other worshippers were injured. The incident prompted a pre-inquest review that highlighted missed intelligence opportunities, leading GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson to acknowledge police shortcomings.
Data & Statistics
- Attendees: ~800 community members and officials
- Fatalities: 2 (Melvin Cravitz, Adrian Daulby)
- Injured: 3 worshippers
- Attacker: Jihad al-Shamie, 35, armed with a knife and a firearm
- Date of attack: October 2, 2025 (scheduled)
Official Statements & Responses
He described the synagogue interior after evacuation as “frozen in time,” with open prayer books symbolising a painful disrespect.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking in the House of Commons, expressed love and support for the Jewish community and pledged to do more to protect it across the UK. He referenced his experience dealing with the Manchester Arena attack as evidence of his prior concern for national security.
Angela Rayner warned that the “poison” of antisemitism must never be “normalised,” emphasizing that the horror experienced on Yom Kippur should never be forgotten. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Mark Adlestone, chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, also attended, underscoring the event’s national significance.
Sir Stephen Watson admitted that police “are not infallible” but affirmed the force’s “perfect intent” to protect the Jewish community. He urged the public to remember the silent solidarity shown at football grounds after the Yom Kippur attack.
On-the-Ground Reports
Attendees recalled the emotional weight of the service. Rabbi Walker’s tribute highlighted the contrasting personalities of Cravitz (“trademark wry smile”) and Daulby (“quieter smile”), noting that both “light up a room” and exemplify the community’s caring spirit. The congregation’s decision to hold the memorial on the religious anniversary, rather than the secular calendar, reflected a desire to commemorate the victims before the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We send our love and support to the Jewish community in Manchester and beyond who last night gathered to remember Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who were killed defending their synagogue last year.” — Prime Minister
What’s Next
The first anniversary of the attack is scheduled for October 2. The synagogue plans additional private prayers on the Yom Kippur date in September and will continue the new Torah-scroll project as a lasting tribute.
