A survivor of the devastating terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue has described his survival as a 'miracle', revealing he was mere millimetres from death after being struck by a police bullet during the chaotic response.
A Miraculous Escape Amidst Terror
Yoni Finlay was inside the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue on 2 October when attacker Jihad Al-Shamie launched his assault. The attack began with Al-Shamie driving a vehicle into the synagogue gates before entering the building armed with a knife. In the horrific violence that followed, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed.
Finlay, in a desperate attempt to protect others, tried to barricade doors to prevent the attacker from gaining further access. 'My only thought was to stop him, to protect the people inside,' he recounted. During the intense armed police response, Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide belt, was initially shot but got back up, leading to further gunfire. It was during this exchange that Finlay was hit.
The Harrowing Moment of Impact
'I felt the impact, but the pain came later,' Finlay stated. He believes the bullet that struck him was fired by police. Medical professionals later told him the trajectory was so precise that being 'millimetres' in a different position would have been fatal. 'God chose to save me,' he said, explaining that the experience has profoundly strengthened his faith.
The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, was ultimately shot dead by armed officers at the scene. The investigation into the attack and any potential accomplices has remained active. In a significant development, a 31-year-old man was arrested on 27 November on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. This marked the seventh arrest made in connection with the October attack.
Investigation Continues as Community Heals
The attack sent shockwaves through the Manchester community and the nation. The subsequent arrests indicate a continuing and complex counter-terrorism operation aimed at uncovering the full extent of the plot. For survivors like Yoni Finlay, the physical and emotional recovery continues, framed by a renewed sense of purpose and belief.
'My faith is now stronger than it has ever been,' he affirmed. His story stands as a powerful testament to survival amidst one of Manchester's most traumatic recent events.
