King Charles visits Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue to comfort survivors of the Yom Kippur terror attack and salute emergency responders’ bravery.
In a deeply emotional gesture of unity and strength, King Charles III traveled to Manchester on Monday to meet survivors of the heinous Yom Kippur terror attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue — an assault that left two Jewish worshippers dead and three others gravely wounded during the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The attack, carried out by Jihad Al-Shamie, a radical extremist who rammed his vehicle into a synagogue security guard before launching a stabbing rampage, sent shockwaves across Britain. Thanks to the swift response of Greater Manchester Police, who arrived within seven minutes, the bloodshed was contained before the assailant could cause even greater devastation.
During his visit, the King met with members of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, including survivors and the families of the victims, Melvin Cravitz (66) and Adrian Daulby (53). He also extended heartfelt gratitude to police, paramedics, and emergency teams who risked their lives to protect the community.
Among the injured were Andrew Franks, who was stabbed but has since returned home, and Yoni Finlay (39), who was accidentally struck by police fire while heroically securing the synagogue doors. The synagogue’s security guard, Bernard, remains hospitalized and is being hailed as a hero who prevented an even greater tragedy.
King Charles’ visit was more than ceremonial — it was a defiant message against anti-Semitic terror, reaffirming the monarchy’s unwavering support for Britain’s Jewish community. “Terror seeks to divide us,” the King reportedly said, “but courage, compassion, and faith will always unite us.”
Jewish leaders praised the royal visit as a moment of profound comfort, reminding the nation that British Jewry stands resilient and proud — never alone in the face of hatred.
