The vigil held outside the synagogue hit by last weeks terror attack

A week on from an unimaginable tragedy, a community gathered to honour two heroes – and show that ‘light can push away the darkness’. 

Outside the very doors he and others barricaded to stop terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, Rabbi Daniel Walker delivered a powerful speech on Friday morning (October 9). 

“Evil tried to defile these steps – we will not allow that to happen,” he told crowds outside the synagogue at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation exactly a week on from the Yom Kippur attack.

Hundreds gathered to hear prayers, sing and take part in a commemorative silence to honour the two innocent men killed in the October 2 atrocity. 

A box of flowers in memory of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were laid at the front of the shul. 

Mr Daulby died after being hit with a single police bullet. He was caught in the crossfire as he stood behind the synagogue doors, bravely fighting alonside other worshippers to stop Al-Shamie getting in.

Mr Cravitz is believed to have been outside when he was fatally injured.

Michael Goldstone was behind the window where terrorist Al-Shamie was shot dead by police marksmen. The 35-year-old drove into worshippers before slashing at them with knives.

It’s a nightmare Michael says with him forever. But the 79-year-old said he was overcome by an enormous sense of pride at the vigil.

Michael Goldstone, Credit: LDRS.

“I am just so proud of my colleagues who were with me on the day of the attack,” he said. “I was one of the people who were behind the window of the synagogue.

“It has horrified me personally, far greater than anything else has. I have not slept properly since it happened. I wake up with terrible nightmares. 

“I am going through a horrid ordeal at this moment in time. But this response is one of defiance.

“The community response has been phenomenal. I am so proud to be Jewish.”

“It’s just so touching to see so many people here,” Rabbi Walker said.

He was called a ‘true hero’ by Jewish community leaders at the vigil, to rapturous applause as he issued a plea for the public to ‘enhance the holiness of all the world’.

Addressing those gathered, Rabbi Walker added: “I can’t believe it has been a week. Your support and our joint mourning is so, so, so important and special. This is a holy place. These are the gates that lead into a place of prayer. A place of gathering.

“Evil tried to defile these steps and make them the opposite. We will not allow that to happen. Each and every one of us has to resolve – a deep, deep, deep resolve, to enhance the holiness of all of the world.”

After speaking to families and friends gathered around the synagogue just off Middleton Road, Ivan Lewis, former MP for Bury South, said: “The vigil was very, very moving. At the end of the day we have lost two wonderful, decent people.

Former Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, Credit: LDRS

“It’s a warm, friendly and loving synagogue known for its generosity. This is a very special place, as the Rabbi said.

“There is a steely demonstration of being proud British Jews. This is a strong message but now we need words from our political leaders and those in positions of power to make a difference.

“The hate marches need to stop. I think it’s important to say that most members of the muslim community abhor violence but there is a small number that think hating Jews and the west is justifiable and acceptable. 

“It was heartwarming today to see this support for the Jewish community. That means a tremendous amount to us.”

Gedalya, who lives just 200 yards the road from the synagogue, said he and his family have questioned their safety for a long time and have considered moving away. But the show of support and the sheer number of those rallying around the Jewish community has given him hope. 

“I was really touched by what the Rabbi said about how a little bit of light pushes away the darkness,” he added. “It was also touching to see people of different religions showing support today.

“I have been asking myself if there was a place here for me and my family any more. This is a serious thing I’ve had to think about because we face anti-Semitism regularly. This attack made it all very real. 

“We will not allow this to make us cower away and hide. We will be proud British Jews.”

Yehuda Marx, cantor of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, said: “It is very comforting to see so many people of different races and backgrounds have come to show support. It’s defiance and shows we are not going to be held back.

Yehuda and Melanie Marx, Credit: LDRS

“We have received hundreds of messages of support from various religious congregations across the world, which is also comforting. I feel this has brought us together as a community.”

His wife Melanie Marx added: “It’s hard to think this happened one week ago, then to gather and be able to stand here a week later. 

“There is the feeling of togetherness and community. It is so nice to see so many here today.

“Everyone is hugging each other and making sure they are okay. I think everyone has been brought closer together by this.”

The day, co-ordinated by the Together Coalition, is supported by various faith leaders. The show of support from a wide range of faiths and backgrounds from the community included Charles King.

Charles King, Credit: LDRS

He said: “My friend told me how important it is that non-Jewish people showed their support and concern. It was a terrible event and this is a threat to everyone.

“The strong message that came through was that ‘we are not going anywhere’. Jewish people have been here for a long time and no one should be trying to kick them out.

“It’s important that the Jewish community knows we are standing with them.”

Reverend Christine Hardy, from St Margaret’s church in Prestwich, added: “I think we should all be together. In the eyes of God we are all one people. 

Reverend Christine Hardy, Credit: LDRS.

“With something like this it shows we all belong together. It’s nice to see people coming together like this and bringing that sense of community.”