The short version
- Rabbi Daniel Walker states that members of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation feel less secure now than they did immediately following the fatal attack last year.
- Police data indicates a significant rise in violent hate crimes against Jewish people across England and Wales, coinciding with high-profile attacks in London and Australia.
- Survivors and officials emphasize that while security measures have increased, fundamental societal drivers of antisemitism remain unaddressed.
The Jewish community in Manchester reports a growing sense of insecurity nearly one year after a deadly attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who leads the congregation, stated that members feel more vulnerable today than they did in the immediate aftermath of the violence. This assessment comes as the community prepares to mark the anniversary of the incident, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The attack took place on October 2, 2025, when Jihad al-Shamie targeted the synagogue. Two men, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were killed while attempting to defend the building. Three others sustained injuries during the confrontation. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the local community, with Rabbi Walker describing the past twelve months as a period defined by grief, pain, and difficulty.
Rabbi Walker attributes the heightened anxiety to a broader rise in antisemitism that he believes has not been adequately addressed by authorities or society at large. He argued that while security protocols have been strengthened, these measures treat only the symptoms of a deeper problem. According to the rabbi, core issues fueling hostility toward Jewish people may have actually worsened over the last year, leaving the community in a precarious position.
This local sentiment is supported by wider data regarding hate crimes in the United Kingdom. A Freedom of Information request submitted to police forces in England and Wales revealed that violent offenses targeting Jewish individuals, including harassment and assault, increased by nearly two-thirds between 2022 and the present. This statistical surge aligns with a series of high-profile incidents that have occurred across the country and internationally since the Manchester shooting.
In London, Jewish residents and properties have faced multiple threats, including arson attacks on ambulances operated by the Hatzola emergency medical service in March. Additionally, two Orthodox Jewish men were stabbed outside their synagogue in Golders Green in April. These domestic incidents are part of a global pattern of violence, which includes a shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, that resulted in fifteen deaths.
The physical and psychological toll on survivors remains severe. Bernard Agyemang, a security guard who was struck by the attacker’s vehicle before al-Shamie attempted to enter the synagogue with a knife, continues to recover from significant injuries. Agyemang suffered multiple fractures, including breaks to his leg and collarbone, as well as a suspected brain injury. He reports ongoing physical pain, cognitive challenges, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Agyemang described the memories of the attack as vivid and persistent, noting that the trauma has not diminished with time. He emphasized that anniversaries serve as reminders of what was lost but also provide opportunities for community solidarity. His comments underscore the lasting impact of the violence on individuals who were directly involved in defending the congregation.
Government officials have responded to the rising tensions with pledges to combat hatred. Angela Rayner, the cabinet minister for communities, stated that the government would not allow fear to drive people from their communities or prevent them from practicing their faith freely. She characterized antisemitism as a poison that must be eradicated to ensure Jewish citizens can live without fear.
The Heaton Park congregation is holding a public memorial service ahead of the religious anniversary date, which falls in September due to the lunar calendar. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Manchester Mayor Bev Craig are among those expected to attend. The service aims to honor the victims and survivors while calling for societal change to prevent future tragedies.
Rabbi Walker indicated that the community is using this moment to question how society can ensure such violence does not recur. He expressed concern that necessary steps to address the root causes of antisemitism have not yet been taken. The upcoming observances will include private prayers on Yom Kippur, reflecting the dual nature of mourning and reflection within the Jewish tradition.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Jewish community in harder position than immediately after synagogue attack, says rabbi
