Initial Funeral Held for Greater Manchester Synagogue Attack Victim

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

A large number of attendees gathered for the memorial ceremony for a member of the two men who were killed Thursday's assault at the synagogue in the city of Manchester.

Family members, members from the Heaton Park Synagogue including Rabbi Daniel Walker, and representatives of the Jewish community at large came together in Pendlebury, Salford to honor the memory to Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Mourners filled the cemetery forecourt, with many waiting outside the memorial building in the downpour, hearing the service and the memorial speech over loudspeakers.

Mr Cravitz died after an attacker rammed a car into and stabbed congregants assembling for a religious observance to commemorate the holiest Jewish holiday – the holiest day of the Jewish year – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.

'Friendly with everyone'

Rabbi Daniel Walker, who assisted in stopping the attacker from gaining access to the synagogue, was one of those at Mr Cravitz's funeral.

In a statement shared on the following day, his relatives requested privacy and said he would "readily offer support to those in need".

They said: "He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people."

"He cherished his marital and family bonds deeply and took great pleasure in dining."

A neighbor, a mid-thirties local who said he had known the victim since childhood, remarked: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."

Another local, Andy Kordas, a community member, stated: "Regularly, he would initiate discussions and show interest in my daily life."

"A smile was ever-present on his countenance. This tragedy is heartbreaking."

'Cherished sibling'

Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had lived in the area for 20 years, mentioned that the victim was a "wonderful person" and "remarkably serene".

"A friendly hello was his standard response to anyone nearby."

The second casualty of the attack, Adrian Daulby, was described as a "courageous person" by his relatives in a memorial statement.

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

Three other men were transported for medical care with critical conditions.

Law enforcement late on Saturday said two males and two females continued to be held after being taken into custody on charges related to terror-related activities.

An young woman and a man in his forties have been discharged with no further legal steps.

Ryan Brown
Ryan Brown

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