The recent terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur resulted in two deaths and several injuries, perpetrated by Jihad al-Shamie. The incident, which saw al-Shamie drive a car into members of the public before engaging in stabbings, has triggered a significant counter-terrorism investigation and exposed unsettling details about the attacker's past.

Disturbing revelations have emerged from a young woman who was groomed into a controlling and abusive relationship with al-Shamie. She described his deceptive nature, including lies about his age and family status, and reported multiple instances of physical abuse. Al-Shamie allegedly pushed her to adopt extreme views, pressured her into marriage, and attempted to isolate her.

The former partner recounted al-Shamie's efforts to indoctrinate her with extreme Islamist ideology, making her watch radical videos and urging her to be "dedicated to the cause." He even expressed a desire to join ISIS. Furthermore, al-Shamie reportedly admitted to being "not right in the head" and spoke of "demonic paintings and drawings" from childhood. His father, Faraj Al-Shamie, later issued a statement condemning the attack and disavowing his son's actions.

The woman also detailed al-Shamie's persistent stalking, where he used the same black Kia Picanto later involved in the attack to follow her, even after she moved and blocked his number. It was further revealed that al-Shamie was on police bail for an alleged rape at the time of the synagogue attack, and had previously spoken of "rape fantasies."

The attack claimed the lives of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, with Daulby potentially falling victim to a stray police gunshot during the confrontation that led to al-Shamie's death. Initially, there were fears al-Shamie wore an explosive device, which was later confirmed to be fake. The incident prompted a rapid response from emergency services, with police arriving at the scene within seven minutes.

Counter-terrorism police have since arrested six individuals in connection with the attack on suspicion of terrorism. Four suspects—two men aged 30 and 32, a 61-year-old woman arrested in Prestwich, and a 46-year-old woman arrested in Farnworth—have been granted warrants for further detention until Wednesday. Two other suspects, an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, also arrested in Farnworth, remain under questioning. Police presence remains heavy in areas like Farnworth as investigations continue.

The attack also led to the evacuation of numerous residents from their homes near the synagogue, many of whom, like Heather and her family, have faced prolonged displacement and a lack of clear information regarding their return. This has caused significant distress and financial strain for those affected, relying on temporary accommodations and support from organisations like the Red Cross.

Despite the immense sorrow, the Jewish community demonstrated remarkable resilience and "Jewish joy" in defiance of the terror. Just two days after the attack, survivors gathered for Sabbath prayers in a makeshift portacabin, supported by donations of Torah scrolls and prayer books from other synagogues. Rabbi Daniel Walker, hailed as a hero for his actions during and after the attack, led the congregation in prayer, singing, and dancing, offering a special prayer for the "martyrs" of the Yom Kippur atrocity, which is considered the largest attack on Jewish people in Britain since the Middle Ages.

A vigil was held the day after the devastation, bringing together Jewish people and the wider community, including local leaders and senior government ministers. The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Phil Rosenberg, also attended, emphasizing the community's spirit of defiance. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch visited the scene, calling for enhanced security for Britain's Jewish population and highlighting the rise of antisemitism, noting that some Jewish individuals are considering leaving the UK for Israel due to safety concerns.