Justice Secretary David Lammy Confronts Angry Crowd at Vigil for Temple Assault Victims

Vigil scene Official addressing crowd
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was jeered and shouted at as he spoke at a memorial service near to the scene of the attack

Justice Secretary David Lammy was met with boos and chants of "shame on you" as he spoke at a vigil for victims of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation incident.

The former foreign secretary was criticized by certain in the crowd of allowing antisemitism to increase during the current administration in power.

Lammy, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, was also condemned for the administration's move to recognize a Palestinian state as a sovereign entity by people who had gathered to express solidarity with those killed and injured at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in the local area on the previous day.

Hostile Exchange at the Vigil

Mr Lammy heard shouts of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in reaction to the administration's policy to establish relations with Palestine.

Before the official's address, one man could be overheard yelling: "My children's school was closed today. You have allowed this to happen."

"You are all guilty. You have allowed Jew hatred in Manchester, on the streets. You are all guilty. We do not want you speaking here today," the individual added.

Another could be heard to shout "Empty words. We want action."

As Mr Lammy started addressing with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from certain in the gathering.

Official's Address

The Justice Secretary told the crowd: "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish people, because an attack like this is never felt alone."

"Wherever you are in our country, Jewish people, our friends, our neighbours, our loved ones are terrified by the events of yesterday – of becoming targets, victims of antisemitic hate, simply for who they are," he added.

"But I know this about Britain's Jewish community, a community I have known all of my life: You are strong, you are resilient, and you will never be cowed, and that's what I want you to know today – that our country, those of all colours, all faiths and none, stand with you."

Protests continued in the memorial gathering as Mr Lammy said "that is why we stand in defiance of those terrorists who seek to divide us."

There were calls from the crowd, and one man could be heard saying "you enabled it, every Saturday", in reference to the regular pro-Palestine marches through urban centers.

The Justice Secretary persisted: "We cannot, must not, let them divide us – we must show them who we really are, not what they want us to become or to believe."

Mr Lammy concluded his remarks by urging those who are planning pro-Gaza marches over the coming days to "reflect with all human dignity, grace and understanding" and to "stop and stand back."

After he concluded, another attendee yelled: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."

Attendees Voice Concerns

Vigil atmosphere Official at memorial
Justice Secretary David Lammy was met with heckles and jeers as he spoke at the rain-soaked vigil in the city

Joanne Lazarus, 61, from Whitefield, Bury, shouted "shame on you" and "you're embarrassing" at Mr Lammy as he spoke at the vigil.

She expressed desire for the administration to stop pro-Palestine marches.

She explained to media outlets: "I took the chance to make my voice heard. I can't take these marches every single Saturday."

"I've been into town on a Saturday and have been told I'm a baby killer and to 'go home'," she added.

"That hatred is felt through the whole of the UK and through what happened here yesterday. I knew it would happen."

The attendee, who attended the Heaton Park Shul when she was in her youth, said she did not think the official would "care" about the response he encountered at the memorial.

Attack Details

The memorial had been arranged following the deaths of Melvyn Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who lost their lives during the incident.

The first victim, 66, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the assailant while 53-year-old the second victim is understood to have been struck by gunfire discharged by officers as they attempted to shoot Al-Shamie.

Three additional individuals were hurt, including one also believed to have been hit by officer gunfire.

The attacker, who is reportedly arrived to the United Kingdom as a child from Syria in 2006, was fatally wounded at the location.

A suspected explosive device he was carrying was found not to be viable, police said.

Terry Ramsey
Terry Ramsey

A passionate maze designer and puzzle enthusiast with over a decade of experience in creating intricate challenges for all ages.

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