A rabbi hailed the two individuals who lost their lives in a tragic incident at the Manchester synagogue as “exceptional men.” Daniel Walker expressed his sorrow at the absence of the victims from their usual seats, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the community.
The victims, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were fatally attacked by Jihad al-Shamie, who rammed his car into worshippers and then proceeded to launch a knife assault at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on October 2 during the observance of Yom Kippur.
Following the assailant’s violent actions, which included a false claim of allegiance to a terrorist group, armed police intervened by fatally shooting al-Shamie as he attempted to breach the synagogue’s security measures.
At the initial inquest proceedings overseen by Her Honour Judge Alexia Durran, the circumstances of the victims’ deaths were recounted by Senior Investigating Officer Det Chief Supt Lewis Hughes, detailing the harrowing events that transpired during the attack.
Rabbi Walker, who was present at the inquests alongside relatives and friends of the deceased, paid heartfelt tributes to Melvin and Adrian, describing them as cherished members of the community who will be greatly missed.
The rabbi recounted the heroism displayed by those who bravely countered the attacker’s assault, highlighting the unity and support shown by individuals in the face of such a tragic event.
In the aftermath of the attack, surviving victims have been recovering from their injuries, with ongoing investigations by Counter Terrorism Policing to identify key witnesses and provide necessary support to those affected.
The inquest into the death of the assailant, al-Shamie, a naturalized UK citizen, is scheduled to take place at a later date, as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating incident.
