Synagogue terrorist identified as Jihad Al-Shami, UK citizen from Syria

The two slain Jewish worshippers were identified as Adrian Daoulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66. 

By Jewish Breaking News

More details have emerged following the car-ramming and stabbing attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur services Thursday, which left two Jewish men dead and 4 seriously wounded.

British authorities identified the attacker as 35-year-old Jihad al-Shami, a British citizen of Syrian origin. His name translates to “Holy War for Syria.”

Al-Shami moved to Britain as a child and was granted citizenship in 2006. British media described him as an Islamist, though he had not previously been known to security services.

Police said Al-Shami, initially suspected of wearing an explosive belt, was shot dead by responding officers.

Three additional suspects — two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s — have been arrested on suspicion of planning and incitement to terrorism. Their connection to the attacker remains unclear.

The two slain Jewish worshippers were identified as Adrian Daoulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Four others were wounded, including the synagogue’s security guard, who was seriously injured while confronting the attacker.

The attack occurred at the Orthodox Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, a Manchester suburb with both large Jewish and Muslim communities.

The violence began around 9:30 a.m. UK time, shortly after worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur prayers. Witnesses said the attacker first rammed congregants with his car, then exited the vehicle and began stabbing Jewish men wearing kippot.

He attempted to force entry into the synagogue, but worshippers managed to barricade themselves inside. Police fatally shot him at 9:40 a.m.

Footage from the scene shows the attacker standing outside the locked synagogue, wearing a belt with suspicious packages. Officers opened fire after he ignored repeated warnings.

Disturbing video captures him being shot, attempting to get up, and then being shot again. An officer can be heard shouting: “Go back! If you’re not involved, go back, he has a bomb!”

The attack has heightened fears within the UK Jewish community, which has long warned of escalating antisemitism.

Community leaders say anti-Israel activism since the Gaza war has fueled a climate of hate, with protests at times featuring open support for Hamas and chants such as “globalize the intifada.”