First Memorial Service Conducted for Manchester Synagogue Assault Victim

Melvin Cravitz tribute image
Melvin Cravitz has been remembered as someone "kind to all"

A large number of people were present at the memorial ceremony for a member of the two men lost in last Thursday's violent incident at the Jewish house of worship in Manchester.

Relatives, members from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation along with the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the Jewish community at large gathered in the Salford area to honor the memory to Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Attendees occupied the burial ground entrance, with many waiting outside the prayer hall in the downpour, following the ceremony and the eulogy over audio systems.

Melvin Cravitz lost his life after an assailant rammed a car into and attacked with a knife worshippers assembling for a service to observe the Day of Atonement – the holiest day of the Jewish calendar – at the synagogue in Heaton Park.

'Kind to all'

The rabbi, who assisted in stopping the perpetrator from breaching the house of worship, was among those at Mr Cravitz's memorial service.

In a memorial message shared on the following day, the family of the victim requested privacy and said he would "readily offer support to those in need".

They said: "He possessed a gentle, compassionate spirit and consistently engaged with others to build relationships."

"He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food."

Anthony Khan, a local resident, a mid-thirties neighbour who said he was acquainted with Melvin for decades, said: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."

Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, recalled: "He always used to come over and have a chat and ask me what I was up to."

"His cheerful demeanor was constant. This situation is truly awful."

'Adored family member'

Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had lived in the area for two decades, remarked that Melvin was a "very nice guy" and "very calm".

"He would always say hello when you came past."

The second casualty of the incident, Adrian Daulby, was referred to as a "courageous person" by his family in a tribute.

They additionally stated the fifty-three-year-old was "a cherished sibling and devoted uncle."

Three more people were admitted to the hospital with significant wounds.

Authorities on Saturday evening said four individuals were still detained after being arrested on allegations involving terrorism offences.

An teenage female and a 43-year-old man have been discharged with no additional measures.

Jennifer Hartman
Jennifer Hartman

Tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society.