Police chief vows to defend Jewish community on anniversary of attack
The Jewish community faces a threat not shared by anybody else, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police said as he marked the first anniversary of the terror attack on a synagogue.
Sir Stephen Watson promised officers would “exercise every sinew” in defence of the community, who he said found themselves fearful that they faced harm “for no better reason than their merely being Jewish”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) released a video message from the chief constable on Friday, exactly a year after Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds and fellow worshipper Adrian Daulby, 53, was killed by a bullet fired by armed police as he blocked the synagogue doors when Al-Shamie tried to get in.
Syrian-born UK citizen Al-Shamie was shot dead by police during the attack which took place on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the year for Jews.
In the message, Sir Stephen said the force would commemorate “with great respect” the lives of Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby.
He added: “We also reflect upon the enduring harms that are still borne, predominantly by our Jewish community, who, in seeking to go about their everyday lives in our country, find themselves in a place of being fearful, that others would seek to do them harm for no better reason than their merely being Jewish.
“That is why so much has happened since that dreadful day. It is why so much continues, and it is why GMP continues to do all that it is currently doing to safeguard our communities.
“We are passionate in GMP in safeguarding the life of all who live within our city region.
“But particularly, in this circumstance, our Jewish community, who continue to face a threat that is not shared by anybody else in our community.
“Our people continue to exercise every sinew in their defence.
“We continue and are committed to their defence and will remain so for as long as it takes to ensure that those who would seek to do harm to innocents are brought to justice and prevented in their endeavours.”
Earlier this week, the family of Mr Cravitz called for people to mark the first anniversary with acts of kindness.
His family said they and his friends always described Mr Cravitz as a “mensch” – a Yiddish word for a person of decency who shows up and takes responsibility for those around them.
Mr Cravitz’s stepdaughter Sherelle Dresner wants October 2 to become National Mensch Day and is setting up a charity, Mensch Like Melvin, to create a lasting legacy.
She said: “Being a mensch transcends religion, background, and identity. It just means being a good person.
“It can be checking on a neighbour, holding a door for someone struggling, volunteering your time for someone – something that is right, kind, and decent.
“Anyone can be a mensch. On October 2, in memory of Adrian and Melvin, please be one.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub