Manchester Synagogue Attack: Two Victims Named as Community Mourns Tragedy on Yom Kippur
Two men who tragically lost their lives in a devastating attack at a synagogue in Manchester have been formally identified by police as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
The horrifying incident unfolded on Thursday morning, during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar, when worshippers had gathered in prayer. Police have confirmed that the attack is being treated as a terrorist incident, leaving the city and the wider Jewish community in deep shock and grief.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to Greater Manchester Police, the attacker — later identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent — drove a vehicle into worshippers outside the synagogue before exiting the car and stabbing several people.
Police responded swiftly to the unfolding violence, but in the chaos, one of the victims, Adrian Daulby, was fatally struck by police gunfire as they attempted to stop the attacker. Another man, Melvin Cravitz, was killed in the stabbing rampage.
Three other individuals remain hospitalized with serious injuries. Police confirmed that one of the injured also sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound during the incident.
The attacker was shot dead at the scene, and authorities continue to investigate his motives.
Remembering the Victims
The deaths of Daulby and Cravitz have left their families, neighbors, and communities heartbroken.
Abdul Rahimi, who lived next door to Daulby for more than two decades, described him as “like an angel.”
“He was a very good neighbour, a very good guy, always helpful,” Rahimi told the BBC, adding that his children “loved him so much.” The families would often exchange gifts during holidays like Christmas and Eid, reflecting Daulby’s warm and generous spirit.
Rahimi said the entire neighborhood was in shock at the news, calling Daulby’s death “very, very sad for all of us.”
Shockwaves Through the Jewish Community
The attack has sent tremors through the UK’s Jewish community, many of whom already live under the shadow of rising antisemitism.
UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, described the tragedy as a “shattering blow.”
“Right now, our hearts are broken,” he said in a statement. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Mirvis admitted that the Jewish community had long feared such an attack might happen, calling it “a very dark time not only for Jews in Britain, but for society as a whole.”
He urged unity and resilience, reminding the nation that safety and freedom of worship must remain a guarantee for all citizens.
Government Response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood strongly condemned the attack, stressing that Jewish citizens should never feel unsafe practicing their faith in the UK.
“Our responsibility is to make sure our Jewish community, our citizens, can go about their lives with safety and security,” Mahmood said. “I do not want Jewish people in our country to feel like they have to live a smaller Jewish life.”
She confirmed that Al-Shamie was not previously known to counter-terrorism authorities, and it was still “too early” to confirm whether he had links to a wider terrorist network.
The Home Secretary also pledged to review existing protections for synagogues and other Jewish institutions, saying the government would “consider what more we can do to deal with rising antisemitism.”
A City in Mourning
Greater Manchester Police said they are providing full support to the families of both victims.
“My deepest sympathies are with Mr. Daulby and Mr. Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes.
He confirmed that trained family liaison officers are working closely with the bereaved families, ensuring their cultural and religious needs are respected throughout the coronial process.
The victims, both from the Crumpsall area of Manchester, were described as well-known members of the community who will be deeply missed.
Rising Concerns Over Antisemitism
The attack has reignited discussions over the rise of antisemitism across the UK and Europe. Jewish organizations have long warned of growing hostility, particularly online, which they fear could encourage violent extremists.
Following the Manchester incident, security has been significantly increased at synagogues nationwide. Police have also urged vigilance, asking members of the public to report any suspicious behavior around places of worship.
Who Was the Attacker?
Police have identified the attacker as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
While he was not on the radar of counter-terrorism units, the investigation is now focused on determining whether he was radicalized online or influenced by extremist networks.
The Kremlin and other foreign authorities have not been linked to the attack, and investigators are currently treating it as a lone-actor terrorist assault.
A Community United in Grief
The timing of the attack — on Yom Kippur, a day of atonement, prayer, and reflection — has deepened its emotional impact.
Local leaders have organized vigils and memorials, with interfaith groups across Manchester pledging support for the Jewish community. Many residents have left flowers, candles, and messages of solidarity outside synagogues.
Community leaders have emphasized the need for unity against hate. “This was not just an attack on Jews, but an attack on the values of peace and freedom we all hold dear,” one interfaith organizer said.
Moving Forward
The Manchester synagogue attack is being described as one of the darkest days for the city in recent years. While the investigation is still ongoing, the focus now rests on ensuring the Jewish community feels safe and supported.
As Detective Chief Superintendent Hughes stated: “We are committed to uncovering the full truth behind this attack, while also standing alongside our communities in grief and resilience.”
The tragedy has underscored the fragility of peace and the urgent need to confront extremism, intolerance, and antisemitism wherever it appears.