English police are still investigating a terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester, when a terrorist rammed his car into worshippers before going on a stabbing rampage that killed two and wounded three. This attack took place on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most sacred day of the Jewish year. JNS reports that the suspect has been identified as a 35-year-old British citizen from Syria.
Two people were killed when Al-Shamie rammed his car into worshippers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on Middleton Road before exiting the vehicle and stabbing others on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day.
British authorities early on Friday identified the fatalities as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
“My deepest sympathies are with Mr. Daulby and Mr. Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time,” said Greater Manchester Police Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who is coordinating the casualty response.
The terrorist was shot dead by authorities during the attack and was also discovered to be wearing a suspicious device. It was assessed and was deemed not to be functional. Images also circulated online of the individual wearing canisters of some kind on his belt.
Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of having helped plan and orchestrate this attack. The Manchester Police have labeled it as a terrorist incident, with the investigation being handed over to the Counter Terrorism Police. They said that the bravery and quick actions of synagogue security staff prevented the terrorist from gaining access to the building.
Sadly, synagogues around the world must take special precautions during the High Holy Days, since enemies tend to strike during the most sacred time on the Jewish calendar. We pray for the families of the victims of this senseless attack, and for an end to anti-Semitism – not just in the U.K, but around the world.