After Yom Kippur attack, Manchester Jews defiant at October 7 memorial

“We are not Jews with trembling knees” is the slogan emblazoned on banners at the memorial ceremony in Manchester three days after the community was rocked by a terror attack that left two dead and four seriously injured.

Thousands attend the ceremony outside the Manchester Cathedral on a chilly, rainy day, which was planned to mark two years since Hamas launched its war against Israel on October 7, 2023, but which took on new relevance following the attack.

“Jews standing proud in the face of terrorism,” the banner displayed on the front stage reads. “Adrian and Melvin’s bravery will never be forgotten,” referring to the two victims of the attack, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz.

Raphi Bloom, a prominent community member who attends Heaton Park Synagogue, blames Prime Minister Keir Starmer for emboldening Hamas by recognizing Palestinian statehood last month.

For two years, our community has faced unprecedented Jew hatred,” including assault, vandalism, and marches that made city centers effectively off-limits for Jews, Bloom says. “Never have Jews in the UK been under such attack.”

Other Speakers include Marc Levy, CEO of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region, Israeli Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel-Harpaz, MP Christian Wakeford, and Carmel Berke, chairman of the United Jewish Israel Appeal in Manchester.

Rabbi Amir Elituv leads prayers and a moment of silence for the victims of both the October 7 and the Heaton Park attack before blowing the shofar.

Rabbi Elituv blows the shofar in honour of the victims of Oct 7 and #HeatonPark, the remaining hostages and as a sign of faith and hope that they will soon be returned. pic.twitter.com/rtC7034YLf

— Stuart (@SAs115thDream) October 5, 2025