‘We are angry but resilient,’ Jewish leaders tell Manchester synagogue vigil | Manchester

Dozens of worshipers gathered at the Manchester synagogue that was attacked on Yom Kippur, vowing to show “determination” and “not be afraid” of terrorism.

Under heavy security a week after the attack in which two people were killed, Jewish community leaders held prayers and speeches in a somber but defiant 15-minute vigil.

Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue rabbi Daniel Walker, who helped stop Jihad al-Shami from entering the building, told those gathered: “Satan tried to defile these steps and do the exact opposite. We will not let that happen.”

Police said on Wednesday that Shamie, 35, who was shot dead by officers, had pledged allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State during a six-minute attack outside the synagogue in North Manchester last Thursday.

Shamie, who was unknown to counter-terrorism police at the time, wore a fake suicide belt and drove his car into worshipers, then attacked others with a knife.

Melvin Cravitz, a 66-year-old father of three, was killed along with Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been accidentally shot by police as he ran to close the synagogue doors to prevent Shamie from entering.

Shamie’s father, Faraj al-Shamie, said in a statement on Thursday that his “heart and prayers” were with the victims of this “tragic act of terrorism” and their families. [which] “It brought deep pain.”

He added: “No one should ever experience such suffering again. We must all stand together – united, vigilant, and compassionate – to prevent such acts and protect the peace of our communities”.

Faraj al-Shamie, 64, a trauma surgeon who left Manchester more than a decade ago, said the city was “a shining example of unity and coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of all faiths live side by side in respect and harmony”.

“As someone who has lived here for years, I can proudly say that this city embodies the true spirit of multicultural peace and solidarity.”

On Thursday morning, about 100 people gathered in the courtyard where the attack took place, guarded by a large police presence and members of the Jewish Community Security Foundation, some of whom appeared to be wearing bulletproof vests.

A bullet hole could be seen in the synagogue’s front door, where armed police shot at Shamie as he tried to enter the building. A single bouquet of flowers stood on the steps below.

Raphi Bloom, of the Federation of Jewish Services in Manchester, told the crowd: “At this very time a week ago, the moment we all feared and warned our political leaders about came true, with terrible consequences.”

She added: “We grieve. We’re scared. We feel alone and we’re angry, very angry. We’re angry because we screamed that this was going to happen and no one listened. But we’re resilient. We’re proud.”

Bloom urged the Jewish community to “stay strong, do not give up” and “when you see or hear the hatred of Jews that caused this tragedy, do not remain silent, speak out. Report it. Say it out loud that this hatred has no place in our country.”

Marc Levy, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council for the Greater Manchester area, paid tribute to Cravitz and Daulby, whose families were among the crowd.

He continued: “The scenes that took place exactly a week ago today, in this idyllic place we have called home for generations, were always on our television screens.

“It is a moral failing in our society that we as a society have had to live behind doors with security guards for so long.”

Levy called on worshipers to “continue our strength and resilience because we will not be intimidated.” Attendance at synagogues has increased since the attack and Jewish schools remain open, he said.

He continued: “It is often said that the silent majority is on our side, but being silent is no longer enough. We need to hear you. Let those who speak with a forked tongue and the insincere ones know.” [that] you will be called.

“We’re not going anywhere for those who actively want to harm us,” he said to applause. “We are British and we are Jews. This is our country… We have made enormous contributions to this country over the last 200 years and this will continue.”

The police investigation into Shamie, a Syrian-born British national, is ongoing, but detectives believe he likely acted alone. The four people arrested after the attack were released without any further action on Wednesday.

The group Campaign Against Antisemitism will hold a demonstration outside Downing Street later on Thursday.