Rabbi Daniel Walker has vowed that the Jewish community will not be defeated by the 'evil' and 'hatred' he saw in the face of Jihad al-Shamie, who launched a deadly attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester. Walker helped worshippers hold doors shut as Shamie tried to force his way inside, throwing heavy plant pots and body-charging the entrance.
Alan Levy, chair of trustees of the synagogue, said he heard Shamie shout: 'This is what they get for killing our children.' Levy had seen Shamie waving a knife and ran inside to warn others. He described barricading the doors alongside Rabbi Walker and other congregants, preventing the attacker from entering.
Adrian Daulby, 53, died after being accidentally shot by police during the incident, while Melvin Cravitz, 66, a security guard, was also killed. Three others were injured and remain in hospital. Walker noted that two of the injured 'blocked the terrorist' with their bodies.
Levy praised the efforts of the congregation, police, and non-Jewish passersby who tried to distract the attacker. He said the community has been overwhelmed by support from both Jewish and non-Jewish locals. Walker expressed hope that the community will come together and recover, while Levy affirmed: 'We’re not going to be cowed by these terrorists.' The congregation continued their Yom Kippur service at a police station and plans to hold services at another venue.
