First Memorial Service Conducted for Greater Manchester Synagogue Assault Casualty
Hundreds of attendees have attended the memorial ceremony for one of the two men who were killed Thursday's assault at the synagogue in the city of Manchester.
Relatives, congregants from the Heaton Park Synagogue along with the congregation's rabbi, and members of the broader Jewish population gathered in the Pendlebury neighborhood to pay their respects to Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Attendees occupied the graveside area, with numerous individuals standing beyond the prayer hall in the wet weather, following the proceedings and the eulogy over audio systems.
Melvin Cravitz lost his life after an assailant crashed a car through and assaulted congregants assembling for a religious observance to commemorate Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.
'Kind to all'
Rabbi Walker, who assisted in stopping the assailant from breaching the religious building, was one of those at the victim's memorial service.
In a memorial message released on the following day, Mr Cravitz's family requested time alone and said he would "do anything to help anyone".
They said: "He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people."
"His dedication to his spouse and relatives was unwavering, and he had a passion for culinary delights."
Anthony Khan, a thirty-five-year-old local who said he was acquainted with Melvin for decades, remarked: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."
Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, a community member, said: "Regularly, he would initiate discussions and show interest in my daily life."
"He always had a smile on his face. It's just terrible."
'Adored family member'
Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had lived in the area for twenty years, remarked that Melvin was a "exceptionally pleasant individual" and "remarkably serene".
"He would always say hello when you came past."
The other victim of the incident, Adrian Daulby, was described as a "hero" by his loved ones in a public message.
They also said the fifty-three-year-old was "a cherished sibling and devoted uncle."
Three additional individuals were admitted to the hospital with critical conditions.
Law enforcement late on Saturday said four individuals were still detained after being apprehended on suspicion of acts of terrorism.
An young woman and a man in his forties have been freed with no further legal steps.