Manchester’s Jewish community is slowly beginning to heal after the violent attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue earlier this month, as the last of the injured victims has now been released from hospital. The incident, which unfolded on October 2, 2025—coinciding with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar—left two people dead and several others wounded, shaking the sense of security for worshippers and the broader community alike.
According to BBC News, Bernard, a contracted security guard whose last name has not been released, was discharged from the hospital earlier this week. Bernard was struck by a car driven by 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie during Al-Shamie’s knife assault on the synagogue. His release is a small but significant milestone for those affected by the tragedy, marking another step in a long recovery process.
Bernard’s discharge comes just three days after Yoni Finlay, 39, was also released from hospital. Finlay was injured in the chaos when he was accidentally hit by a police bullet while helping to barricade the synagogue doors against the attacker. The fact that both men are now out of hospital has brought a measure of relief to a congregation still reeling from the violence.
The attack itself was as sudden as it was brutal. On the morning of October 2, worshippers gathered at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation to observe Yom Kippur, a day of atonement, reflection, and community. The serenity of the occasion was shattered when Al-Shamie drove his car into Bernard before launching a knife assault on those outside the synagogue. In the ensuing panic, several members of the community and security staff rushed to defend the congregation and secure the building.
Among the victims were Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, both of whom lost their lives in the attack. According to BBC News, Daulby also suffered a gunshot wound as armed police responded to the unfolding emergency. In the process of neutralizing the threat, officers fatally shot Al-Shamie, bringing the immediate danger to an end but not before leaving a trail of trauma and loss.
Another member of the security team, Andrew Franks, was stabbed by Al-Shamie while helping to protect the synagogue’s entrance. His courage, along with that of Bernard and others, has been widely acknowledged by both the community and law enforcement. Their quick actions are credited with preventing even greater loss of life.
The days following the attack were marked by shock, grief, and a flurry of police activity. The synagogue was closed as investigators worked the scene and the community grappled with the enormity of what had occurred. For many, the violence felt especially jarring given the day’s spiritual significance. Yom Kippur is a time when Jewish people around the world gather for prayer, fasting, and atonement—a day meant for peace, not horror.
As the week of October 17 began, the synagogue reopened its doors for the first time since the attack, a symbolic gesture of resilience and faith. The return to worship marked not just the resumption of religious life but also a commitment to moving forward, even as the scars—both physical and emotional—remain fresh.
Greater Manchester Police have been closely involved in the aftermath, providing updates to the public and supporting the affected families. The force confirmed Bernard’s release and has continued to work with local leaders to reassure the community. While the investigation into Al-Shamie’s motivations continues, the focus for many has shifted to healing and rebuilding trust.
The impact of the attack has rippled beyond the immediate congregation. Manchester’s broader Jewish community, as well as interfaith leaders and civic officials, have expressed solidarity and support. Vigils were held in the days following the incident, with mourners gathering to remember Cravitz and Daulby and to honor those who risked their lives to protect others.
Security at places of worship across the city has been heightened in response to the events. Many synagogues and community centers have reviewed their protocols, working with authorities to ensure that worshippers can gather safely. The attack has reignited conversations about the need for vigilance and the challenges faced by minority communities in the UK and beyond.
For those who survived the ordeal, the path to recovery is likely to be long and complex. Physical wounds may heal, but the psychological toll of such violence can linger. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of counseling and support services, urging anyone affected to seek help. The reopening of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation is seen as a crucial step in that process—a way to reclaim a sense of normalcy and to honor the memories of those lost.
As BBC News reports, the story of the Manchester synagogue attack is one of both tragedy and resilience. The swift action of security personnel, the response of law enforcement, and the solidarity shown by the wider community have all played a part in the aftermath. Yet, the pain of loss is undeniable, and the questions raised by the attack—about safety, tolerance, and the meaning of community—will not be easily answered.
The city’s Jewish community, like so many before it, faces the challenge of mourning while also moving forward. The release of Bernard and Finlay from hospital is a reminder that recovery is possible, even in the wake of senseless violence. As worshippers return to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination not to be defined by fear.
In the days and weeks ahead, Manchester will continue to reckon with what happened on Yom Kippur 2025. The story is far from over, but as the congregation comes together once again, it does so with hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that light can follow even the darkest of days.
