Heroic Manchester synagogue terror victims 'died saving many more lives'

The two victims killed during the car and knife rampage by Islamic extremist Jihad Al-Shamie, have been hailed heroes for giving their lives protecting dozens of worshippers congregating to celebrate the holiest Jewish day of the year.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, died alongside Adrian Daulby, 53, when the Syrian-born extremist attacked Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday morning. Tragically one of the victims died from a gunshot wound fired by a police marksman deployed to stop the barbaric attack. And another member of the congregation was also injured by a stray police bullet as helped hero Rabbi Daniel Walker barricade the door to protect worshippers who had gathered to commemorate Yom Kippur.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed two victims had been shot as a “tragic and unforeseen consequence” after armed officers arrived at the scene just seven minutes after the 999 alarm was raised and shot Al-Shamie – who was wearing a fake suicide bomb belt - dead. Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed the only shots fired outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday were by armed police as the terrorist did not have a firearm.

Sir Stephen said the surviving shot victim – father-of-three Yoni Finlay - is in hospital after suffering a gunshot wound, but his condition is not life-threatening.

In total four people were injured in the rampage, with three still in hospital. One was working for the Community Security Trust, a charity which provides security to the Jewish community, the organisation’s chief executive said.

Worshipers helping stand guard outside the synagogue had hurled plant pots in a desperate attempt to stop knife-wielding Al-Shamie after he smashed his car into the building’s front gates.

One local told the Express: “Both Melvin and Adrian died heroes. If they had not barricaded the doors then the terrorist would have got inside the synagogue and many more people could have died.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added: “There is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy”.

Rabbi Walker said in a statement “the loss we feel is beyond words”, adding: “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.”

The Rabbi, who was pictured in blood-stained robes in the aftermath, described the attack as a “desecration”, adding in a joint statement with the synagogue executive and trustees that it was “an episode that has changed us all forever”.

Police chief Sir Stephen said: “The Home Office pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.

“It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s authorised firearms officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.

“It follows, therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”

Sir Stephen said: “We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening.

“It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”

Mr Cravitz leaves behind his wife Karen, whom he married in August 2009. In a family album picture shared online the couple are seen clinking glasses of whisky together on their wedding day.

Relatives of Mr Cravitz described him as a “gentle giant” who “would never harm a fly”. Cousin Phil Bentley said his death was even more tragic as Mr Cravitz would never normally be at the synagogue that early in the day.

Mr Bentley's wife, Evayne, added: "He didn't deserve this. Nobody deserves this."

She said the attack would have a “massive impact" on the Jewish community locally and she didn't feel safe in the UK.”

Hindi Cohen, a friend and neighbour, said Mr Cravitz was a “lovely man” with a good sense of humour, adding: “Our kids loved him. He called himself uncle Melvin to my kids.”

Mr Daulby was described by one of his neighbours as “one of the best guys I've ever seen in my life”.

Abdul Rahimi, who lived next to the 53-year-old for 20 years, said he was a “great neighbour” who often bought books and toys for children on their street.

“He was a very, very good man,” he said.

Mr Finlay, who lives near the synagogue, was taken to hospital with stomach injuries following the attack and underwent emergency surgery.

A friend said: “We heard Yoni was one of those who was bravely helping to barricade the door from the inside to stop the terrorist gaining entry into the synagogue.

“We don't know how serious he is either but are hoping that he will be ok. He suffered wounds to the side of his stomach below his ribs and around his waist.'

A member of the Heaton Park Synagogue, who knew Mr Finlay, added: “My wife saw him being taken into an ambulance on a stretcher.

Yusit Stein, 43, said: “One of the victims I knew very well. I was at another synagogue at the time and heard the news trickling down a little later.

“He was a lovely man. It is all very raw. We have suffered anti-semitism for years now. It is nothing new.

“It takes an awful act like this for it to be brought to people’s attention.”

Patrick Kirk, 37, said: “I’ve just come here to pay my respects. No family should have to go through this.

“The men were just going about their daily business and end up losing their lives.”

Jennifer Fitzgerald, 60, left flowers at the scene. She said: “I live close by.

“It is just terrible. I don’t know any of those involved but that doesn’t make it any less awful.

“I tried to lay flowers yesterday but everywhere was cordoned off. Bringing flowers doesn’t seem enough. There’s nothing we can do for help.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who is in charge of coordinating the casualty response, said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this extremely hard time.

“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them. They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process.

“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones' wishes are respected.”

Victims and those affected by the horrific terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall will be supported by the recently appointed Independent Public Advocate.

In its first move the body will ensure affected victims, relatives and close friends understand their rights and can access vital emotional and practical support. This can also include helping victims to navigate the investigations which may follow, such as inquests.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor David Lammy said: “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community after the vile terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. Antisemitism has no place in Britain.

”We’re standing up support for victims through the Independent Public Advocate for the first time. This will ensure they receive the care, information and advocacy they deserve.

“Our immediate focus is on the victims and safety of our communities. But make no mistake, all those responsible for this atrocity will be held to account.”

An emotional vigil was due to be held on Friday afternoon whilst Manchester United will hold a minute’s silence at Old Trafford on Saturday in tribute to the victims.

Players from both United and Sunderland will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz.

Newly named Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally said the Church of England has a “responsibility” to stand with the Jewish community after the attack.

She said: “Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to tear us apart.”