Greater Manchester Jewish House of Worship Attack Victims Named
Two individuals killed in an attack on a religious center in Manchester have been revealed by authorities as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Three more people remain in hospital with critical wounds after the assailant rammed a car into pedestrians before stabbing others on Thursday morning.
The violent incident, which police have said was a act of terrorism, came on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
The perpetrator, who was shot dead at the location, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian background who was not on record to counter-terrorism authorities, according to official statements.
Official Statements
"Right now our hearts are shattered," the UK's Chief Rabbi commented.
Speaking to a national radio program, he said: "What transpired yesterday was a devastating impact to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the build up."
The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for the British Jewish community "but for everyone in our country," he added.
Security Measures
"Our responsibility is to make sure our Jewish population, our people can live their lives with security and assurance," a cabinet minister stated.
"It is unacceptable that the Jewish community in our country to feel compelled to live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot pursue their activities and observe their religion and go to their communal institutions in freedom," she stated.
The attacker was not known to terrorism investigators, she told media outlets, and it was "premature" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.
Police Inquiry
The police investigation was "progressing rapidly" and there was an increased police presence at Jewish worship centers across the UK.
"The government does provide protective measures," the representative commented, adding: "We must evaluate what further actions we can take to combat rising antisemitism."
Law enforcement officials said they were supporting the families of the two deceased individuals.
"My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this extremely hard time," a senior police officer expressed.
He said that designated family representatives were in communication with families and would continue to support them through the official inquiries.
"Although procedures exist which require adherence, we pledge to remain sensitive of community customs and sensitivities and to making certain that the victims and their families' preferences are respected," he said, stating that the two men were from the local area.
Autopsies are scheduled on the following day, as confirmed by government statements.