Manchester attack was a desecration of our synagogue, its leaders say

The attack on a Manchester synagogue which killed two people was a "desecration" that has "changed us all forever", its leaders have said.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both died after a man drove into people and stabbed a man outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday.

Rabbi Daniel Walker, president Hilary Foxler and chairman Alan Levy said in a statement: "It is hard to find the words to convey the depth of our community's grief, as we try to process yesterday's act of unimaginable violence.

"This desecration of our synagogue, on Yom Kippur of all days, is an episode that has changed us all forever."

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Three others remain in hospital with serious injuries . Police have named Jihad Al-Shamie, who was shot dead at the scene, as the attacker and are treating the attack as a terror incident.

One of the victims killed in the attack was hit by police gunfire, Greater Manchester Police has said.

The synagogue leadership statement continued: "Two of our beloved members were murdered in cold blood, and others remain in hospital with serious injuries. The loss we feel is beyond words.

"These were not simply members of our synagogue - they were our friends, our family - and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

"Even in this valley of deepest sorrow, we have been upheld by extraordinary courage and kindness from so many."

It said they were "profoundly grateful" to the security team - Community Security Trust - and to the emergency services whose "whose swift and selfless actions saved countless lives and brought reassurance amid chaos".

"To all of them we owe a debt that can never be repaid."

The attack was an "assault not only on Jews, but upon our shared values", it added.

"The greatest tribute to the memory of Adrian and Melvin would be for communities right across the country to come together in peace and solidarity, to challenge the evil of antisemitism wherever it is found, so that no other community has to endure these horrors ever again."

A vigil is planned for later on Friday to honour the victims of the attack.

It has been organised partly by the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, who said the vigil will be "a space for reflection, support and collective strength in the face of hate".

After visiting the synagogue, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer thanked first responders and said that he will ensure the Jewish community is "safe and secure".

The full statement from Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation rabbi Daniel Walker, president Hilary Foxler, and chairman of trustees Alan Levy:

"It is hard to find the words to convey the depth of our community's grief, as we try to process yesterday's act of unimaginable violence.

"This desecration of our synagogue, on Yom Kippur of all days, is an episode that has changed us all forever.

"Two of our beloved members were murdered in cold blood, and others remain in hospital with serious injuries. The loss we feel is beyond words.

"These were not simply members of our synagogue - they were our friends, our family - and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

"Even in this valley of deepest sorrow, we have been upheld by extraordinary courage and kindness from so many.

"We are profoundly grateful to our security team, to CST (Community Security Trust) and to the emergency services, whose swift and selfless actions saved countless lives and brought reassurance amid chaos. To all of them we owe a debt that can never be repaid.

"We have also been strengthened by the countless expressions of solidarity that have poured in, not only from across the Jewish community but from faith leaders, from political leaders and, from neighbours of every background.

"In our darkest hour, you have shown us that we do not stand alone. Your embrace reminds us that love and compassion remain stronger than hate.

"As the chief rabbi has noted, this attack was an assault not only on Jews, but upon our shared values.

"The greatest tribute to the memory of Adrian and Melvin would be for communities right across the country to come together in peace and solidarity, to challenge the evil of antisemitism wherever it is found, so that no other community has to endure these horrors ever again.

"For now we will continue to weep, we will continue to pray, and we will continue to live our lives as Jews with dignity and faith."