Adrian Daulby, Melvin Cravitz Obituary, Death News – Authorities have released the identities of the two men who were killed in a violent attack on a synagogue in north-west England, an assault that has been linked to growing antisemitism in the country. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the victims were 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, both residents of the local community. The tragedy unfolded at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, where worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish faith.

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The assault took place as people gathered at the Orthodox synagogue on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The attack began on Thursday morning when a man drove a car into pedestrians outside the synagogue before exiting the vehicle and stabbing worshippers with a knife. Police said they were on the scene within minutes, and the assailant was shot dead seven minutes after the assault began. Although the attacker was wearing what appeared to be an explosives belt, it was later determined to be fake. In addition to the two men who lost their lives, three more victims remain hospitalized in serious condition.

The incident shocked the Jewish community, both locally and across the United Kingdom. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the leader of Orthodox Judaism in Britain, described the attack as the manifestation of “an unrelenting wave of Jew hatred” and called it a day the community had long feared. Writing on social media, he said: “This is the day we hoped would never come, but deep down we knew could happen.”

Police have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent who arrived in the U.K. as a young child and was granted citizenship in 2006. According to law enforcement officials, the assault is being treated as a terrorist incident. Investigators are still working to establish the motive behind the attack, though the targeting of a synagogue during Yom Kippur strongly suggests religious and antisemitic intent.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that Al-Shamie was not previously on the radar of police or Prevent, the national counterterrorism program designed to identify individuals at risk of radicalisation. Mahmood stressed that while the attacker was not known to authorities, the investigation is ongoing, and additional inquiries are being made to determine whether he acted alone or had outside support.

As part of that effort, police announced that three additional people were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of being involved in preparing or assisting with acts of terrorism. The detainees include two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Their identities have not yet been released, and officials have not specified their potential connection to Al-Shamie.

Political leaders quickly condemned the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “vile” and emphasised that the attacker specifically targeted the Jewish community because of their faith. Addressing the public, Starmer said: “I will do everything in my power to guarantee the Jewish community the security it deserves.” He added that Britain must stand united in solidarity with its Jewish citizens, promising that the country’s true values—compassion, decency, and love—would prevail over hate.

Starmer also reassured Jewish families that they are safe and valued members of British society. “In the days to come, you will see another Britain—one that stands with you, embraces your community, and shows you that this is a place where you and your family belong,” he said.

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Police said the incident is being investigated as a terrorist attack. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

The synagogue attack has reignited concerns about the rise of antisemitism in the U.K. and Europe more broadly. Jewish leaders have long warned that an escalation in hateful rhetoric and threats could one day manifest in violence. For many, the assault in Manchester represents not just a singular act of terror but a chilling reminder of those warnings.

For now, the community continues to mourn the loss of Daulby and Cravitz, while rallying around those still fighting for their lives in hospital. Police maintain an active presence in the area as the investigation unfolds, while both local and national leaders have pledged to ensure the safety of worshippers and all vulnerable communities across Britain.