Tributes paid to Manchester synagogue terror attack victims

Tributes have been paid to the two people killed in the Manchester synagogue terror attack.

Worshipper Adrian Daulby and security guard Melvin Cravitz were killed during the car and knife attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.

Armed police accidentally shot Mr Daulby, 53, and another member of the public while attempting to stop terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie getting into the place of worship on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

A tribute, provided by Mr Daulby’s family through Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: “Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others.

“He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin.

“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely, down-to-earth man.

“His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday October 2 2025.”

Abdul Rahimi, who lived next to Mr Daulby for 20 years, told Sky News he was a “very very good man” who often bought books and toys for children living on their street.

He said Mr Daulby had always brought gifts on Christmas or Eid, according to The Independent.

Mr Rahimi’s 16-year-old daughter Mariam told the paper: “We would play with water guns together in the summer.

“Even not during Christmas, if my sisters knocked on the door he would give them toys.”

Mariam said Mr Daulby’s house was “the first we would go to” at Halloween.

Another neighbour, Waqas Hussain, told the broadcaster he had bonded with Mr Daulby over their shared love of nature, animals and birds.

“He was just a great guy,” Mr Hussain said.

“Just one of them people… so innocent, so approachable and so pure,” he added.

Mr Hussain said Mr Daulby had survived cancer, lived alone and had visited the synagogue more after the death of his father a few years ago.

Mr Cravitz, the security guard who police said courageously stopped the terrorist from entering the building, was described as someone who “would do anything to help anyone” by his family.

In a tribute issued through GMP, the 66-year-old’s family said: “Melvin would do anything to help anyone.

“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.

“He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.

“We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss.”

One of Mr Cravitz’s neighbours, who did not wish to be named, told The Independent he was a “very nice person” and a “very friendly neighbour.”

They said: “He was so nice in the community.

“He’d always be on the road talking to us.

“My sister lives a few doors down and he’d knock on and tell her her washing was getting wet.

“He was a very friendly neighbour.”

During a vigil for the victims, Rabbi Daniel Walker, from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, paid tribute.

Mr Walker said: “We also remember Adrian and Melvin, truly wonderful, special men whose lives were so truly snatched from them as they tried to pray as Jews on the holiest day of the year on Yom Kippur.”