Bev Craig pays tribute a year on from Heaton Park attack

In a statement issued today (September 20), Bev Craig said Greater Manchester was remembering Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daubly, as well as everyone affected by the antisemitic attack on October 2 last year.

The mayor described the incident as “an act of terror against Jewish people on the holiest day of the year, targeted simply for being Jewish”, adding that it was “a dark day for our city-region and one we should never have to face again”.

Paying tribute to those affected, Ms Craig said her thoughts remained with the families and loved ones of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daubly, those who were injured, and the wider congregation of Heaton Park Synagogue.

She said Greater Manchester had a “deep history of unity” and stressed that an attack on one community was “an attack on us all”.

The mayor also said the city-region remained committed to challenging hatred and tackling antisemitism, while continuing to support those still living with the impact of the attack.

In her statement, Ms Craig said: “Today, Greater Manchester remembers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daubly, the survivors and everyone affected by the appalling antisemitic terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue one year ago.

“This was an act of terror against Jewish people on the holiest day of the year, targeted simply for being Jewish. A dark day for our city-region and one we should never have to face again.

“Greater Manchester is a place with a deep history of unity, and an attack on one of our communities is an attack on us all.

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“My thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of Melvin, Adrian, those who were injured, and the wider congregation of Heaton Park Synagogue.

“We stand with you in remembrance and solidarity, knowing that words are not enough, and we are committed to acting to stamp out the pernicious rise of antisemitism.

“Myself and the Deputy Mayor will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police and our partners across our city-region to keep our communities safe, challenge hatred and support those still living with the impact of that horrific day.

“Melvin and Adrian, and the congregation of Heaton Park Synagogue, will always be in our hearts.”