A year after the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, the stepdaughter of one of those killed is marking the anniversary by honouring his memory through an initiative encouraging acts of kindness.
Sherelle Dresner, from Bury, lost her stepfather, Melvin Cravitz, in the attack on October 2 last year. Melvin and Adrian Daulby were killed and three other people were injured as they attempted to protect the synagogue from terrorist Jihad al-Shamie. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Charity and National Mensch Day
Now, as the first anniversary approaches, Sherelle is working to establish a charity in Melvin’s name and is calling for October 2 to become a ‘National Mensch Day’. The Yiddish word ‘mensch’ describes someone who is decent, dependable and takes responsibility for the people around them. It is a word that Melvin’s loved ones have long used to describe him.
For Sherelle and her family, the idea is particularly significant at a time when acts of hatred can seem so prevalent. They want Melvin’s legacy to encourage people to bring more kindness and decency into the world.
Acts of kindness planned
On October 2, the group Mensch Like Melvin is inviting people across the country to remember both Melvin and Adrian by following the example Melvin set in his life: carrying out one intentional act of kindness. That could mean visiting a neighbour, checking in with someone who may be feeling lonely, volunteering for a cause, or simply recognising when someone nearby needs support and offering it.
Sherelle said: “One year on, our grief is still raw and the pain has not lessened. But the months following Melvin’s murder have strengthened our commitment to putting good into the world, in whatever shape that may be.
“Being a mensch transcends religion, background, and identity – it just means being a good person. It can be checking on a neighbour, holding a door for someone struggling, volunteering your time for someone – something that is right, kind, and decent.
“Anyone can be a mensch. On 2nd October, in memory of Adrian and Melvin, please be one.”
