First Funeral Conducted for Manchester Jewish House of Worship Attack Victim
Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral service for one of the two men lost in last Thursday's synagogue attack in the city of Manchester.
Family members, members from the Heaton Park Synagogue along with the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the broader Jewish population came together in the Pendlebury neighborhood to offer condolences to Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Those present filled the graveside area, with numerous individuals standing beyond the prayer hall in the rain, hearing the service and the memorial speech over audio systems.
Mr Cravitz died after an assailant crashed a car through and attacked with a knife congregants assembling for a service to commemorate the holiest Jewish holiday – the most sacred occasion of the Jewish calendar – at the synagogue in Heaton Park.
'Welcoming to everybody'
Rabbi Walker, who played a role in halting the assailant from gaining access to the house of worship, was one of those at Mr Cravitz's burial ceremony.
In a statement shared on the following day, his relatives asked for time alone and said he would "always assist others".
They said: "He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people."
"His dedication to his spouse and relatives was unwavering, and he had a passion for culinary delights."
Anthony Khan, a local resident, a 35-year-old neighbor who said he knew Mr Cravitz "all my life", said: "He was friendly with everybody – he did not have a bad word with anybody."
A different resident, Andy Kordas, stated: "He frequently approached for conversation and inquired about my activities."
"He always had a smile on his face. It's just terrible."
'Cherished sibling'
Bilal Ahmad, who said he had been a community member for 20 years, added that Mr Cravitz was a "very nice guy" and "extremely composed".
"He would always say hello when you came past."
The additional fatality of the attack, Adrian Daulby, was described as a "hero" by his loved ones in a memorial statement.
They additionally stated the fifty-three-year-old was "an adored family member and caring uncle."
Three more people were transported for medical care with critical conditions.
Authorities recently said four individuals were still detained after being arrested on charges related to acts of terrorism.
An young woman and a middle-aged male have been released with no additional measures.