🔗 Share this article

A large number of people have attended the memorial ceremony for a member of the pair of individuals lost in last Thursday's assault at the synagogue in Manchester.

Family members, congregants from the Heaton Park Synagogue including the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the wider Jewish community gathered in the Pendlebury neighborhood to offer condolences to Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Attendees crowded the burial ground entrance, with a significant number standing beyond the chapel in the downpour, hearing the proceedings and the tribute over loudspeakers.

Mr Cravitz died after an attacker crashed a car through and stabbed worshippers assembling for a ceremony to mark Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Hebrew calendar – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.

'Welcoming to everybody'

Rabbi Walker, who assisted in stopping the assailant from gaining access to the religious building, was present at Mr Cravitz's burial ceremony.

In a memorial message released on the following day, Mr Cravitz's family requested privacy and said he would "always assist others".

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

"His dedication to his spouse and relatives was unwavering, and he had a passion for culinary delights."

Anthony Khan, a local resident, a 35-year-old neighbour who said he had known the victim since childhood, said: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."

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

"A smile was ever-present on his countenance. This tragedy is heartbreaking."

'Cherished sibling'

Bilal Ahmad, who said he had been a community member for 20 years, remarked that the victim was a "wonderful person" and "very calm".

"A friendly hello was his standard response to anyone nearby."

The additional fatality of the attack, Adrian Daulby, was characterized as a "courageous person" by his loved ones in a tribute.

They further mentioned the 53-year-old was "a cherished sibling and devoted uncle."

Three more people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities late on Saturday said two males and two females were still detained after being apprehended on charges related to acts of terrorism.

An 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man have been discharged with no further action.