A horrific terrorist attack unfolded on October 2 at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The perpetrator, identified as 35-year-old British citizen Jihad al-Shamie, launched a deadly assault that resulted in two fatalities and three injuries, leaving the community reeling but resolute.

According to witness accounts and police reports, al-Shamie was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue approximately 15 minutes before the attack. He then returned in a vehicle, driving it at members of the public before alighting and attacking them with a knife. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading prayers inside the packed synagogue, described seeing "evil" and "hate" in al-Shamie's face as he attempted to force his way into the building. Al-Shamie "body-charged" the doors, threw heavy plant pots, and screamed "Allahu akbar" and "This is what they get for killing our children," doing everything he could to gain entry.

The brave efforts of security staff, worshippers, and rapid police action prevented al-Shamie from accessing the main building. Alan Levy, the synagogue's chair of trustees, along with Rabbi Walker and other congregants, barricaded the doors, holding them firm against the attacker's attempts. Melvin Cravitz, 66, a security guard at the synagogue, courageously intervened, preventing al-Shamie from entering the building, and tragically lost his life in the attack. Adrian Daulby, 53, a congregant who was helping to hold the doors shut, also died after being accidentally shot by police marksmen as they tried to stop al-Shamie. Three other individuals were injured, one sustaining a gunshot wound, and remain in hospital.

Armed police officers swiftly responded to the scene, shooting al-Shamie dead. A suspicious device found attached to his torso was later confirmed to be fake. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, stated that al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, did not appear to be known to counter-terrorism policing but had a non-CT related criminal record, including a recent arrest for an alleged rape for which he was on bail. Investigations suggest al-Shamie may have been influenced by "extreme Islamist ideology."

The ongoing police investigation has been extensive, with searches conducted at al-Shamie's address in Prestwich and other locations, including Farnworth in Bolton. In the aftermath of the attack, six individuals were arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism. This included an initial three (two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s) and three further arrests (one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s).

In the wake of the tragedy, the Manchester Jewish community, along with local non-Jewish residents, demonstrated remarkable strength and unity. Rabbi Walker and Alan Levy vowed not to let hatred triumph, emphasizing the community's resilience and determination to recover. The congregation continued their Yom Kippur services at a police station and later at another venue, asserting that they would not be cowed by terrorism. Tributes poured in for the victims, and the community expressed gratitude for the efforts of the police, passersby who tried to help, and the overwhelming support from both Jewish and non-Jewish neighbors.

The attack sparked widespread concerns about rising extremism and political responses. While figures like Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow, local residents questioned the effectiveness of national politicians. Xander, a 23-year-old who had his barmitzvah at the synagogue, voiced worries about increasing extremism and the lack of concrete action beyond "thoughts and prayers." Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced a hostile reception and heckles at a vigil near the synagogue, reflecting public frustration. Despite these tensions, numerous examples of interfaith solidarity emerged, with Muslim and Christian neighbors offering comfort and support, underscoring a shared commitment to community cohesion. Rabbi Walker urged the crowd at the vigil to "strengthen your lives as Jews" and declared, "We always rebuild, we always recover, we always return stronger and that is what we will do."