Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Faces Angry Crowd at Vigil for Synagogue Attack Casualties

Memorial gathering Official addressing crowd
Justice Secretary David Lammy was jeered and shouted at as he spoke at a vigil near to the scene of the assault

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

The former foreign secretary was criticized by certain in the audience of permitting anti-Jewish sentiment to rise during the current administration in power.

The Justice Secretary, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, was also criticized for the government's decision to acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign entity by individuals who had gathered to express solidarity with those affected at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in the local area on Thursday.

Hostile Exchange at the Vigil

Mr Lammy faced calls of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in response to the administration's policy to establish relations with Palestine.

Ahead of 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 continued.

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

As Mr Lammy began his speech with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from certain in the gathering.

Lammy's Response

The Justice Secretary addressed the audience: "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 continued.

"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."

Uproar resumed in the vigil crowd 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 individual could be heard saying "you enabled it, every Saturday", in reference to the weekly demonstrations through London and other cities.

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 finished speaking by asking those who are organizing demonstrations over the weekend to "reflect with all human dignity, grace and understanding" and to "stop and stand back."

After he finished speaking, another person shouted: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."

Community Members Speak

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

Joanne Lazarus, 61, from Whitefield, Bury, yelled criticisms at Mr Lammy as he spoke at the vigil.

She said she wanted the government to halt pro-Palestine marches.

She explained to news agencies: "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 continued.

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

Ms Lazarus, who was familiar with the synagogue when she was younger, said she did not think Mr Lammy would "care" about the reaction he received at the memorial.

Attack Details

The memorial had been organized following the passing of two individuals, who lost their lives during the incident.

Mr Cravitz, 66, is reportedly fatally attacked by the assailant while 53-year-old Mr Daulby is believed to be struck by gunfire fired by police as they attempted to shoot Al-Shamie.

Three other people were injured, including one thought to be hit by officer gunfire.

Al-Shamie, who is reportedly arrived to the UK as a youth from Syria in 2006, was shot dead at the location.

A potential bomb he was wearing was determined to be non-functional, police said.

Ashley Jenkins
Ashley Jenkins

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