Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were brutally murdered Sunday in a stabbing spree at a city synagogue in Manchester’s Crumpsall neighborhood. Even three years later, a third victim has not yet been identified. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. This day, Yom Kippur, represents a deeply poignant space for atonement and introspection for the Jewish community.
The threat
One attack began when a man drove a car into people walking outside the synagogue. Just seven minutes after the first attack, police officers responded promptly to the scene, shooting down the assailant almost immediately. This person had been menacing people in the area with a knife. The attack left three other people in critical condition at the hospital.
Community Response and Political Implications
In the wake of the tragic incident, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was seen visiting the attack site. I certainly had to go and express my sympathy to the leaders of the Jewish community. While he was here for his visit, he called attention to this crisis. He announced, “We will not permit anyone to deny Jews’ right to exist by attacking Jews solely for being Jews.” His comments are part of a growing concern towards the rising antisemitism taking place in Britain.
UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis expressed outrage over the attack. He blamed it on what he referred to as “an unrelenting wave of Jew hatred” that is infecting the streets as well as the internet. In his testimony, he shared the grief that paralyzed the community. “This is the day we prayed we’d never have to witness,” he continued, “but in our hearts we knew this day would arrive.”
Especially as violence escalates between Israelis and Palestinians in the region, Starmer’s announcement to recognize a Palestinian state has drawn fire from the Israeli government. The Joint Committee came as the country recorded its highest ever increase in antisemitic incidents in Britain. This increase started almost two years ago with the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza. After the attack at the end of last month, Israel once again made clear its outrage at what it sees as widespread antisemitism running through British society.
Police Investigation and Community Safety
Greater Manchester Police are still investigating Rasheed’s death. Chief Stephen Watson revealed that one of the victims may have been killed by a bullet fired by police during their response to the attack. To communicate on the use of force, he described the offensive acts as “This wounding, regrettably, might have been incurred as a terrible and unexpected result. It stands to reason that additional forensic investigation is warranted after my officers took urgently needed policies to stop this barbarous assault.”
Authorities have urged organizers of an upcoming protest in London to consider canceling or postponing their event due to fears for community safety. Given the recent violence, the police argued for resources to help protect the most terrified communities.
In recent weeks, Britain has witnessed the largest wave of protests around all manner of political issues, resulting in more than 1,500 arrests. The continuing civil unrest in the form of protest and rebellion reveals an increasingly fractured society, complicated by the rise of antisemitism, cancel culture, and political discourse.
