First Memorial Service Conducted for Manchester Jewish House of Worship Assault Victim
Hundreds of mourners gathered for the memorial ceremony for one of the two men lost in Thursday's assault at the synagogue in Manchester.
Family members, congregants from the Heaton Park Synagogue including Rabbi Daniel Walker, and members of the Jewish community at large came together in Pendlebury, Salford to pay their respects to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
Attendees occupied the cemetery forecourt, with numerous individuals standing outside the memorial building in the rain, following the ceremony and the memorial speech over loudspeakers.
The victim died after an assailant rammed a car into and assaulted attendees coming together for a religious observance to observe the Day of Atonement – the most sacred occasion of the Jewish year – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.
'Friendly with everyone'
Rabbi Walker, who played a role in halting the attacker from entering the house of worship, was present at Mr Cravitz's memorial service.
In a tribute shared on the day after, the family of the victim requested privacy and said he would "readily offer support to those in need".
They commented: "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 35-year-old neighbour who said he knew Mr Cravitz "all my life", said: "He greeted everyone warmly and refrained from negative comments about others."
Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, a community member, stated: "He frequently approached for conversation and inquired about my activities."
"He always had a smile on his face. It's just terrible."
'Cherished sibling'
Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had been a community member for two decades, mentioned that Melvin was a "wonderful person" and "very calm".
"He never failed to greet passersby."
The additional fatality of the attack, Adrian Daulby, was characterized as a "hero" by his relatives in a memorial statement.
They also said the 53-year-old was "an adored family member and caring uncle."
Three more people were taken to hospital with significant wounds.
Authorities on Saturday evening said two men and two women continued to be held after being arrested on allegations involving terrorism offences.
An teenage female and a man in his forties have been released with no further legal steps.