Survivor Details Time When 'Deranged Individual' Attacked Manchester Jewish House of Worship
A person involved in fortifying a Jewish temple in the Manchester area has described how a tragic incident occurred, causing the deaths of a pair of British Jews.
On Thursday morning, a congregant was present in the worship center when the assailant crashed into and attacked with a knife members gathering for a observance to commemorate the holy day.
Mr Levy noted that the 'evil' individual tried to break down the doors of the synagogue, and he recalled locking down the structure with other worshippers.
Two individuals, aged 53 and 66 were killed in the attack on Thursday, while several more were injured while helping to safeguard worshippers.
Witness Account of the Violence
He, who acts as a Chair of the Trustees at the synagogue, explained reinforcing the doors and stated that the assailant employed knives and outdoor items to force his way inside.
"I saw a terrifying individual forcefully push against the entrance, trying to bash them down with a knife in his hand," he explained to interviewers.
"The only thing that was audible was him saying 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.
Just those words I heard him say. We stood inside the building and we were saying 'we are not letting this man in'.
"He was an insane and malevolent attacker."
Memorial Service Conducted for Deceased
These remarks coincided with a large gathering took part in the funeral service for one of the victims.
Close kin, attendees from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation including a religious leader, and individuals of the Jewish population came together in Pendlebury, Salford to show support.
Mourners filled the gravesite, with several gathering in the open the prayer hall in the inclement weather, hearing the proceedings over speakers.
Through a statement shared on Friday, Mr Cravitz's family said that he had a helpful nature.
Authorities Probe and Detentions
Law enforcement indicated that the individual was likely hit by officer shots as they engaged the assailant soon after the emergency call.
He, who was hailed by his loved ones as a "hero", was attending a service at the temple when the violence unfolded.
"He was a cherished sibling, devoted uncle to his several nieces and a nephew and a dear extended family member," his family noted.
"The family is shocked by the unexpected loss of a genuinely good person.
"His final act showed immense heroism and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act."
Several arrests have been made in relation to the attack, and authorities stated that several individuals remained in custody on that time.
All four were apprehended for terrorism-related activities.
The suspects include several men, in their 30s and detained in the local area; a female in her 60s arrested in Prestwich; and a middle-aged female detained in another location.
An 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were released with no further action, officials stated on Saturday.
