On the morning of October 2, 2025, the Jewish community in Manchester gathered at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in their religious calendar. What was meant to be a day of solemn reflection and prayer quickly turned into a scene of terror and chaos when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, launched a violent attack on the synagogue and its congregants.
According to BBC and multiple other news outlets, Al-Shamie drove his car at worshippers gathered outside the synagogue before continuing his rampage with a knife. He attempted to storm the building, reportedly wearing a fake suicide belt, and tried to force his way inside. As panic erupted, several members of the congregation rushed to barricade the doors, desperately trying to keep the attacker out and protect those inside.
Among those defending the entrance was Yoni Finlay, a 39-year-old father of three. In the confusion and terror of the moment, armed police officers arrived at the scene, responding to what they believed to be an imminent terrorist threat. In the ensuing confrontation, Finlay was struck in the chest by a police bullet that pierced the synagogue door. He would later undergo seven hours of surgery to treat the life-threatening wound.
Finlay’s son, Uriel, described his father’s actions as nothing short of heroic. Speaking to ITV Granada Reports, Uriel said, “My dad is a complete hero, he saved so many lives, and I'll never, ever forget that. He's a hero, he stopped loads of deaths from happening, and I hope he knows that.” Rabbi Walker, who was also present, reportedly told Uriel that he and Finlay, along with a few others, managed to hold the doors shut against the attacker, preventing what could have been an even greater tragedy.
The violence of that day took a heavy toll. Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives during the attack. According to PA Media and the Manchester Evening News, Daulby is believed to have been inadvertently shot by police as they scrambled to neutralize the threat posed by Al-Shamie. The incident left two other men hospitalized in stable condition: Andrew Franks, who was stabbed while providing security outside the synagogue, and a security guard known only as Bernard, who was struck by Al-Shamie’s car.
The aftermath of the attack has been marked by both relief and sorrow. Finlay, after his extensive surgery and a difficult recovery, was discharged from the hospital and is now recuperating at home as of October 15, 2025. Greater Manchester Police confirmed his release, stating, “The man who was injured with a gunshot wound has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.” However, the emotional scars left by the attack are far from healed. Naomi Finlay, Yoni’s ex-wife, told BBC News, “He’s in pain, obviously, but I think for him and anyone who’s been injured or involved in any of that terrible day, I think it’s the emotional toll which is going to take a lot longer to recover from.”
The synagogue itself remains closed in the wake of the tragedy. As the congregation marks the festivals of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, they have been forced to gather at an alternative venue, their usual place of worship now a crime scene and a stark reminder of the violence that shattered their community on Yom Kippur.
In the days following the attack, questions have been raised about the police response and the tragic deaths that occurred as officers attempted to stop Al-Shamie. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the incident, treating the responding officers as witnesses. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the situation, explaining that police acted under the belief that “a terrorist was likely to detonate an explosive device.” She emphasized, “There is no ambiguity around who is responsible for the deaths and injuries that took place on that day.”
This investigation is standard procedure in cases where police firearms are discharged and fatalities occur. The IOPC’s review aims to clarify the sequence of events and ensure transparency regarding the officers’ actions during the crisis. Mahmood’s statement underscored the gravity of the situation faced by police, who had to make split-second decisions amid credible fears of a mass-casualty attack.
Al-Shamie, for his part, reportedly called 999 during the incident, claiming responsibility for the attack and pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. This revelation, reported by several outlets including the Manchester Evening News, has further heightened concerns within the community and prompted renewed discussions about security at places of worship across the UK.
The attack has deeply shaken Manchester’s Jewish community, prompting both grief and gratitude—grief for those lost, and gratitude for the acts of courage that prevented an even greater catastrophe. Community leaders and members have spoken out about the need for increased vigilance, support for the injured, and unity in the face of hate-fueled violence.
As the investigation continues and the community begins the long process of healing, the story of Yoni Finlay’s bravery stands out as a testament to the resilience and solidarity displayed in the face of terror. His son’s words, echoing through the pain and uncertainty, reflect the profound impact one person’s actions can have in the darkest of moments.
For now, the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation remains closed, but its spirit endures. The congregation’s observance of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah at an alternative venue serves as a reminder that faith, community, and the determination to persevere can outlast even the most harrowing trials.
As Manchester and the wider UK reflect on the events of October 2, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, ensuring accountability and transparency in the official response, and reaffirming the commitment to safety and tolerance for all communities.
