Tragedy in Manchester: Two Jewish Men Killed in Synagogue Attack Named

Two Jewish men have been named as victims of the Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur. The incident, treated as terrorism, has left the UK in shock.

Tragedy in Manchester: Two Jewish Men Killed in Synagogue Attack Named

Two Jewish Men Killed in Manchester Synagogue Attack Identified

A tragic attack shook the city of Manchester on October 2, 2025, when two Jewish worshippers were killed outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall. The victims have now been named by authorities as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

The incident took place on Yom Kippur, one of the holiest and most sacred days in the Jewish calendar. The day, usually marked by prayer, reflection, and community gathering, turned into one of mourning after the violent assault.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to police reports, the assailant drove a vehicle into a group of worshippers outside the synagogue before stepping out and launching a knife attack. Worshippers who had gathered for evening prayers were caught off guard.In the chaos, two men tragically lost their lives, while three others sustained serious injuries. Police confirmed that one person was stabbed and others were struck by the vehicle. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where they are still receiving treatment.

Law enforcement officers quickly responded to the unfolding attack and fatally shot the suspect to prevent further bloodshed.

Suspect and Arrests

The main suspect has been identified as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. Police have also arrested three additional individuals believed to be connected to the case two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Investigators are treating the case as a terrorism-related incident and are examining possible extremist motivations.Greater Manchester Police stated that counterterrorism units are working with intelligence agencies to establish whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider network.

National and Local Reactions

The attack has drawn strong condemnation from across the United Kingdom. Political leaders, faith representatives, and community organizations have described it as a cowardly and antisemitic act targeting innocent people at prayer.Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and cut short a foreign trip to return to the UK. He has since held emergency meetings with security officials to review safety protocols at places of worship nationwide.In Manchester, police have stepped up patrols and increased security presence around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers. Leaders from across the religious spectrum have also spoken out, urging unity and condemning hate-fueled violence.

Families Speak Out

The family of Adrian Daulby released a brief statement following the tragedy. They described themselves as “heartbroken” and requested privacy as they mourn. They also said they would “seek the answers we need” as investigations into the attack continue.

Friends and members of the community have paid tribute to both Daulby and Cravitz, describing them as devoted family men and active members of Manchester’s Jewish community. Vigils are being planned to honor their memory and show solidarity with the victims’ families.

A Community in Shock

For the Jewish community in Manchester, this attack has reopened fears about rising antisemitism and violence targeting places of worship. Many have described Yom Kippur traditionally a solemn and peaceful day as forever scarred by the tragedy.Community leaders have stressed the importance of resilience and unity in the face of hate. Messages of support have also poured in from across the UK, with many non-Jewish groups joining calls for stronger protections and an end to antisemitic violence.

As investigations continue, questions remain about the motives behind the attack and whether others may have been involved in planning it. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant but assured citizens that additional security measures are in place.

This tragic event has left Manchester, and indeed the entire UK, in mourning. While families and communities grieve, leaders have vowed to ensure justice is served and to take stronger steps against the growing threats of religious hate crimes.In the chaos, two men tragically lost their lives, while three others sustained serious injuries. Police confirmed that one person was stabbed and others were struck by the vehicle. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where they are still receiving treatment.

Law enforcement officers quickly responded to the unfolding attack and fatally shot the suspect to prevent further bloodshed.

Suspect and Arrests

The main suspect has been identified as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. Police have also arrested three additional individuals believed to be connected to the case two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Investigators are treating the case as a terrorism-related incident and are examining possible extremist motivations.

Greater Manchester Police stated that counterterrorism units are working with intelligence agencies to establish whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider network.

National and Local Reactions

The attack has drawn strong condemnation from across the United Kingdom. Political leaders, faith representatives, and community organizations have described it as a cowardly and antisemitic act targeting innocent people at prayer.Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and cut short a foreign trip to return to the UK. He has since held emergency meetings with security officials to review safety protocols at places of worship nationwide.

In Manchester, police have stepped up patrols and increased security presence around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers. Leaders from across the religious spectrum have also spoken out, urging unity and condemning hate-fueled violence.

Families Speak Out

The family of Adrian Daulby released a brief statement following the tragedy. They described themselves as “heartbroken” and requested privacy as they mourn. They also said they would “seek the answers we need” as investigations into the attack continue.

Friends and members of the community have paid tribute to both Daulby and Cravitz, describing them as devoted family men and active members of Manchester’s Jewish community. Vigils are being planned to honor their memory and show solidarity with the victims’ families.

A Community in Shock

For the Jewish community in Manchester, this attack has reopened fears about rising antisemitism and violence targeting places of worship. Many have described Yom Kippur traditionally a solemn and peaceful day as forever scarred by the tragedy.

Community leaders have stressed the importance of resilience and unity in the face of hate. Messages of support have also poured in from across the UK, with many non-Jewish groups joining calls for stronger protections and an end to antisemitic violence.As investigations continue, questions remain about the motives behind the attack and whether others may have been involved in planning it. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant but assured citizens that additional security measures are in place.

Finally,This tragic event has left Manchester, and indeed the entire UK, in mourning. While families and communities grieve, leaders have vowed to ensure justice is served and to take stronger steps against the growing threats of religious hate crimes.

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Source: BBC news  , guardian newspaper