UPDATE: Six individuals have been arrested as police investigate a devastating attack at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, which left two men dead and the Jewish community in mourning. The attack occurred on October 7, 2023, during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.
Police shot and killed the assailant, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, after he rammed his vehicle into pedestrians and attempted to gain entry to the synagogue while armed with a knife. Tragically, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives during the chaos. Reports indicate that Daulby was accidentally shot by an armed officer as congregants attempted to barricade the entrance.
Three additional men are hospitalized with serious injuries, highlighting the brutal impact of this attack. Authorities confirmed that Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was wearing what appeared to be an explosives belt, which turned out to be fake. At the time of the incident, he was out on bail connected to an alleged rape case but had not yet been charged.
In the wake of the attack, police have arrested three men and three women, aged between 18 and 60, under suspicion of “commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.” Investigators are currently working to determine if Al-Shamie acted alone.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Britain’s Jewish community, intensifying discussions surrounding antisemitism, especially in light of the recent conflict in Gaza. According to the Community Security Trust, antisemitic incidents in the UK have surged since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. Some politicians and community leaders argue that pro-Palestinian protests have contributed to rising anti-Jewish sentiments, despite the majority being peaceful.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced backlash during a vigil for the victims, with attendees interrupting him with shouts of “shame on you.” Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused critics of Israel of antisemitism, a claim that some see as an attempt to silence legitimate discourse.
Despite calls from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to postpone pro-Palestinian protests in Manchester and London, demonstrations continued with around 100 participants in Manchester and approximately 1,000 in London, advocating for an end to the Gaza conflict.
In a separate rally, demonstrators were arrested for sitting in Trafalgar Square, holding signs stating their opposition to actions in Gaza. More than 1,500 individuals have been arrested at similar protests since a direct-action group, Palestine Action, was labeled a terrorist organization earlier this year.
Campaigner Jonathon Porritt expressed the importance of respecting the victims of the Heaton Park attack while also emphasizing the need to stand against ongoing violence in Gaza. “We should not be asked to give up on our right to stand up for those who are being devastated by an ongoing, real-time genocide in Gaza,” he stated.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging vigilance within communities while navigating the complex issues of antisemitism and free speech in the context of international conflict. Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent story.
