A man carried out a deadly attack at a synagogue in northern England last week, resulting in the deaths of two Jewish worshippers. Investigators revealed that the attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, phoned the police claiming allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS) after driving a car into pedestrians and launching a knife assault at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester’s Crumpsall district.
Armed officers fatally shot Al-Shamie at the scene, where he was found with two knives and a suspected explosive belt. One of the victims also succumbed to injuries from police gunfire. Following the incident, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Greater Manchester Police disclosed that Al-Shamie contacted the emergency number 999 shortly after the attack to admit responsibility and pledge allegiance to ISIS. The assault, which occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, led to the deaths of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, with three others sustaining severe injuries.
Despite having no prior connections to counterterrorism authorities, Al-Shamie had a criminal record and was recently arrested for rape before being released on bail. Police indicated that the investigation suggests his actions were influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Six individuals were arrested in connection with the incident but were subsequently released without charges. Al-Shamie’s family expressed shock over his actions, disassociating themselves from his “heinous act.”
The surge in antisemitic incidents in the UK, similar to other Western nations, has escalated following Israel’s conflict in Gaza. According to the Community Security Trust, which offers security for Jewish institutions in the UK, 2024 witnessed over 3,500 antisemitic incidents, marking it as the second-highest year on record after 2023.
It’s noteworthy that the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to assess the motivations behind the attack, exploring potential additional factors that may have contributed to the violence.