First Funeral Conducted for Greater Manchester Synagogue Attack Victim
A large number of people have attended the funeral rites for a member of the pair of individuals who perished during the recent violent incident at the Jewish house of worship in Manchester.
Family members, congregants from the Heaton Park Synagogue along with Rabbi Daniel Walker, and representatives of the wider Jewish community came together in the Salford area to pay their respects to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
Those present filled the cemetery forecourt, with many waiting outside the prayer hall in the downpour, listening to the proceedings and the eulogy over public address systems.
The victim was killed after an assailant drove a vehicle into and assaulted attendees assembling for a service to observe the holiest Jewish holiday – the holiest day of the Hebrew calendar – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.
'Kind to all'
Rabbi Walker, who assisted in stopping the perpetrator from gaining access to the religious building, was one of those at Melvin's burial ceremony.
In a statement released on the following day, the family of the victim asked for space and said he would "readily offer support to those in need".
They commented: "He possessed a gentle, compassionate spirit and consistently engaged with others to build relationships."
"He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food."
A neighbor, a mid-thirties neighbor who said he had known the victim since childhood, noted: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."
A different resident, Andy Kordas, said: "He frequently approached for conversation and inquired about my activities."
"A smile was ever-present on his countenance. This tragedy is heartbreaking."
'Cherished sibling'
Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had been a community member for 20 years, added that Mr Cravitz was a "wonderful person" and "extremely composed".
"He never failed to greet passersby."
The second casualty of the attack, Adrian Daulby, aged 53, was referred to as a "courageous person" by his relatives in a tribute.
They additionally stated the man in his fifties was "a beloved brother and loving uncle."
Three other men were admitted to the hospital with critical conditions.
Law enforcement on Saturday evening said two males and two females remained in custody after being taken into custody on allegations involving terrorism offences.
An young woman and a 43-year-old man have been discharged with no additional measures.