The Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, became the site of a tragic terror attack on October 2, a date coinciding with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The atrocity claimed the lives of two congregants, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, leaving a profound void in the community and for Rabbi Daniel Walker, who described the empty seats of his friends as a “big hole.”

The attack was perpetrated by 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, who drove his car at those gathering outside the place of worship, then attacked others with a knife and attempted to storm the synagogue. During his deadly rampage, Al-Shamie reportedly rang 999, pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group. The violence led to the deaths of Mr. Cravitz and Mr. Daulby, while three other men, including a security guard and another worshipper, were injured.

Details revealed during the inquests at Manchester Coroners' Court confirmed the tragic circumstances of their deaths. Melvin Cravitz died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Al-Shamie to his upper torso, neck, and head area. Mr. Cravitz was described as 'courageously' helping to stop the attacker from entering the building. Adrian Daulby, a quiet man who became a hero in the face of danger, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, inadvertently fired by an armed police officer. Mr. Daulby's quick reflexes and instincts were credited with possibly saving many lives when he leaped to close and hold the synagogue doors, bracing them against the attacker for approximately two minutes. Another worshipper, Yoni Finlay, 39, was also accidentally shot and injured by police officers during the confrontation. Andrew Franks, a volunteer security guard, bravely intercepted Al-Shamie, sustaining serious stab injuries but delaying the attacker and allowing time for others to secure the doors.

Rabbi Daniel Walker, who has led the Heaton Park congregation since 2008, spoke emotionally about the events, noting the difficulty in recounting the terrifying moment Al-Shamie tried to storm the synagogue. He paid heartfelt tribute to Mr. Cravitz and Mr. Daulby, describing them as “very, very special men” and “family men” loved by their community, friends, and neighbours. Rabbi Walker specifically recalled Adrian Daulby's transformation from a quiet man into a “tremendously strong hero” during the attack, an act of selflessness for the community he loved. He also recounted the initial loud bang, later identified as Al-Shamie driving into security guard Bernard Agyemang and crashing into a wall, before men ran inside shouting to close the doors.

Following the attack, Rabbi Walker expressed his refusal to dwell on Al-Shamie's motivations, stating he has “no mental space” for him, and that his function is to ensure the community responds. He addressed antisemitism, calling it “not a Jewish problem, but as a society problem” that society must deal with. Despite the atrocity, Rabbi Walker affirmed the community's resilience. He felt safe when leading services again and recalled a festival of Sukkot where 1,000 people attended, dancing and crying together, with support from every synagogue in town. He also highlighted the immense support received, including a visit from King Charles III, which “meant so much to us all,” signifying that society cares.

The inquests into the deaths of Mr. Cravitz and Mr. Daulby were opened on October 28 and 29 at Manchester Coroners' Court before Chief Coroner of England and Wales, Judge Alexia Durran, and Senior Coroner Zak Golombeck. Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes of Greater Manchester Police provided evidence, detailing the sequence of events and the provisional causes of death. The court heard that armed officers had fired several rounds after Al-Shamie aggressively approached them with a knife and what appeared to be a suicide vest, leading to the accidental shooting of Mr. Daulby and the injury of Mr. Finlay. A police counter-terrorism investigation is ongoing, with over 50 witnesses interviewed. The inquest opening into Al-Shamie's death was scheduled for October 31, though a full inquest for him is expected to be separate from those of his victims. A pre-inquest review hearing for Mr. Cravitz and Mr. Daulby has been set for February 18, 2026.

In a related incident highlighting the fear spread by the attack, Markel Ible, 32, was jailed for 10 months at Leeds Crown Court on October 29. He made a “cruel” bomb hoax call to the Sinai Synagogue in Roundhay, Leeds, on October 6, just four days after the Manchester attack. Prosecutors stated Ible intended to “sow panic and fear,” with the timing making the call “all the more disturbing.” The Crown Prosecution Service and the Community Security Trust emphasized the importance of prosecuting those who spread hatred and antisemitism, sending a clear message against such acts.