First Memorial Service Conducted for Greater Manchester Jewish House of Worship Attack Casualty

Melvin Cravitz tribute image
Melvin Cravitz has been described as being "friendly with everybody"

A large number of attendees have attended the funeral rites for a member of the pair of individuals who were killed last Thursday's violent incident at the Jewish house of worship in the city of Manchester.

Family members, members from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation including the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the Jewish community at large assembled in the Pendlebury neighborhood to pay their respects to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Attendees crowded the burial ground entrance, with many standing outside the prayer hall in the downpour, listening to the service and the tribute over public address systems.

The victim died after an attacker rammed a car into and stabbed worshippers coming together for a service to commemorate Yom Kippur – the most important observance of the Jewish calendar – at the synagogue in Heaton Park.

'Kind to all'

Rabbi Walker, who assisted in stopping the attacker from gaining access to the synagogue, was present at Melvin's funeral.

In a memorial message shared on the day after, the family of the victim appealed for privacy and said he would "do anything to help anyone".

They stated: "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 thirty-five-year-old local who said he was acquainted with Melvin for decades, said: "He greeted everyone warmly and refrained from negative comments about others."

Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, said: "He frequently approached for conversation and inquired about my activities."

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

'Cherished sibling'

Bilal Ahmad, who said he had resided locally for twenty years, mentioned that Mr Cravitz was a "exceptionally pleasant individual" and "extremely composed".

"He never failed to greet passersby."

The second casualty of the incident, Adrian Daulby, was characterized as a "courageous person" by his family in a public message.

They additionally stated the fifty-three-year-old was "an adored family member and caring uncle."

Three more people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police recently said two males and two females continued to be held after being arrested on suspicion of terror-related activities.

An young woman and a man in his forties have been released with no further action.

Jordan Galvan
Jordan Galvan

A freelance writer and cultural critic with a passion for exploring diverse narratives and global issues.