A memorial event at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester drew around 800 attendees, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, to remember the victims of last year’s attack. Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby lost their lives while defending their community, and the event served as a poignant reminder of the rising antisemitism that has left many feeling increasingly vulnerable.
Rabbi Daniel Walker expressed that the Jewish community feels less safe now than immediately after the attack, citing a lack of effective action against the core issues of hate. This sentiment was echoed by survivors who spoke about the heightened security measures they now face, with some feeling compelled to hide their identities.
Angela Rayner highlighted the broader implications of such attacks, stating that they reflect a crisis of hatred that affects everyone. She called for a united front against antisemitism, emphasizing the need for a societal approach to combat this growing threat.
As the Jewish community prepares to mark the anniversary of the attack, the memorial not only served to honour the victims but also to reinforce a message of resilience and determination to continue Jewish life in the UK, despite the challenges posed by rising hate crimes.
Source: BBC News
