Home / Crime and Justice / Synagogue Attack Anniversary: Fear Grows Amid Rising Antisemitism
Synagogue Attack Anniversary: Fear Grows Amid Rising Antisemitism
31 Aug
Summary
- Community members feel less safe now than after the 2025 attack.
- Son of attack survivor faced death threats while at college.
- Antisemitic hate crimes have risen nearly two-thirds since 2022.
Almost one year after a fatal attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, the community reports feeling less secure than immediately following the 2025 incident. Rabbi Daniel Walker stated that increasing antisemitism and a lack of action on core issues have heightened feelings of vulnerability.
Yoni Finlay, injured during the attack, shared that his son has since faced death threats, and overall security measures have intensified, with community event details often kept private. This sentiment is underscored by a nearly two-thirds rise in violent hate crimes against Jewish people across England and Wales since 2022.
The attack, which occurred on Yom Kippur on October 2, 2025, claimed the lives of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, with three others injured. The congregation will mark the anniversary with private prayers on the religious date in September and a public memorial. Security for the commemoration will be substantial, comparable to major public events.
Bernard Agyemang, a security guard injured in the attack, continues to recover from severe physical and psychological trauma. He condemned the hatred that caused such suffering and emphasized the importance of remembrance and community support. The family of Melvin Cravitz also expressed gratitude for the support and the importance of honoring those impacted.
