A new Sefer Torah in Manchester has been dedicated in memory of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, who were murdered during the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation last Yom Kippur.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed outside the shul by terrorist Jihad al-Shamie, while Adrian Daulby, 53, lost his life in a police crossfire as he, along with other shul members, tried to stop the attacker from entering the building.
Rabbi Daniel Walker and the new Torah scroll (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
Around 3,000 people lined the streets of North Manchester on Sunday afternoon as the scroll was carried in a moving procession to the synagogue by Rabbi Daniel Walker, with members of the Jewish community singing, dancing and walking alongside it.
Crowds line the street as the new scroll is carried to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
The procession culminated in a joyful celebration inside the synagogue, transforming a day of commemoration into a symbol of hope and continuity for a community still mourning the loss of two of its members.
The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region described the occasion on social media as an “extraordinary and deeply moving day”.
“In the face of the hatred and terror that took Melvin and Adrian from us, this was a powerful demonstration of the strength, unity and resilience of our community,” the organisation said.
Completion of the new Torah scroll for Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
It added that the memories of the two men would “forever be a blessing”, and that their legacy would live on through the Torah and the generations who would read from it.
The Torah dedication comes as the community continues to honour those who lost their lives and support those affected by the attack.
The Torah dedication service at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation (Photo: JRC)[Missing Credit]
As the scroll entered Heaton Park S hul amid singing and dancing, the occasion brought together the grief for two men whose lives were cruelly taken and hope for the generations who will carry their legacy forward.
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