Initial Memorial Service Held for Manchester Jewish House of Worship Assault Victim

Melvin Cravitz tribute image
Melvin Cravitz was described as someone "kind to all"

Hundreds of attendees have attended the funeral rites for a member of the two men who were killed the recent synagogue attack in the city of Manchester.

Relatives, congregants from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation including the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the wider Jewish community gathered in the Pendlebury neighborhood to offer condolences to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Mourners crowded the cemetery forecourt, with numerous individuals waiting outside the prayer hall in the rain, listening to the service and the eulogy over audio systems.

The victim died after an assailant crashed a car through and assaulted attendees coming together for a service to observe Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – at the synagogue in Heaton Park.

'Kind to all'

The rabbi, who played a role in halting the attacker from entering the house of worship, was among those at Melvin's burial ceremony.

In a memorial message issued on Friday, Mr Cravitz's family requested privacy and said he would "readily offer support to those in need".

They said: "He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people."

"He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food."

Anthony Khan, a local resident, a mid-thirties local who said he knew Mr Cravitz "all my life", noted: "He was friendly with everybody – he did not have a bad word with anybody."

Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, stated: "Regularly, he would initiate discussions and show interest in my daily life."

"His cheerful demeanor was constant. This situation is truly awful."

'Beloved brother'

Bilal Ahmad, an area resident, who said he had lived in the area for twenty years, mentioned that Mr Cravitz was a "wonderful person" and "extremely composed".

"He would always say hello when you came past."

The second casualty of the incident, the other individual who lost his life, was described as a "courageous person" by his loved ones in a memorial statement.

They also said the fifty-three-year-old was "a beloved brother and loving uncle."

Three additional individuals were admitted to the hospital with significant wounds.

Law enforcement on Saturday evening said four individuals remained in custody after being apprehended on charges related to terror-related activities.

An teenage female and a middle-aged male have been released with no further action.

Daniel Vasquez
Daniel Vasquez

A passionate casino gaming expert with over a decade of experience in reviewing and strategizing for online platforms.