UK Chief Rabbi Composes a Special Yom Kippur Prayer for the Victims of the Manchester Synagogue Attack
Britain’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has composed a special prayer in memory of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who were murdered in the 2025 terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in north Manchester. The prayer is recited alongside Yizkor, the memorial service said in synagogues four times a year, including on Yom Kippur. This Yom Kippur marks the first anniversary of the attack, which took place during the holy day’s services.
The prayer asks God to “grant perfect rest beneath the wings of the Divine Presence” to the two men, “whose lives were cruelly taken on the holiest day of the year,” and to grant “healing of body and spirit to those who were injured and to all those whose trauma has not yet subsided.” It continues, “Guardian of Israel, protect all who gather in our synagogues to pray. Give wisdom and courage to those who safeguard our communities and deliver us from hatred and terror.” It closes with a plea for “peace and security to the State of Israel, and tranquillity for all the inhabitants of the earth.”
Cravitz, 66, and Daulby, 53, were murdered and three others were injured in the attack in Crumpsall. The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born British citizen, was shot dead by police after attacking people outside the synagogue and attempting to force his way inside. Counter Terrorism Policing has continued investigating, with eight people arrested in connection with the attack. A close associate of Al-Shamie, Mohammad Bashir, 31, pleaded guilty in June 2026 to preparing an act of terrorism and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years.
(INN/VFI News)
“Our Father in Heaven, we pray in Yeshua’s Name that You comfort the families of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby and heal all who still carry the wounds of that day. We ask that You protect every synagogue and Jewish community in Britain and throughout the diaspora, and that You strengthen those who stand guard over them. We pray that You uproot the hatred of Your people from the nations and raise up many friends to stand with them. Spread over us the shelter of Your peace.”