First Funeral Conducted for Manchester Synagogue Assault Casualty
A large number of people gathered for the funeral rites for one of the two men lost in Thursday's violent incident at the Jewish house of worship in the city of Manchester.
Relatives, congregants from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation including the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the broader Jewish population came together in Pendlebury, Salford to honor the memory to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
Those present occupied the burial ground entrance, with many standing beyond the prayer hall in the downpour, hearing the service and the memorial speech over public address systems.
Melvin Cravitz lost his life after an attacker crashed a car through and stabbed congregants coming together for a ceremony to mark Yom Kippur – the most important observance of the Hebrew calendar – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.
'Welcoming to everybody'
The rabbi, who helped to prevent the assailant from entering the house of worship, was among those at the victim's funeral.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Cravitz's family asked for time alone and said he would "always assist others".
They commented: "He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people."
"He cherished his marital and family bonds deeply and took great pleasure in dining."
Anthony Khan, a local resident, a mid-thirties neighbor who said he had known the victim since childhood, said: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."
Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, a community member, said: "He always used to come over and have a chat and ask me what I was up to."
"He always had a smile on his face. It's just terrible."
'Adored family member'
Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had resided locally for 20 years, mentioned that Melvin was a "wonderful person" and "extremely composed".
"He would always say hello when you came past."
The other victim of the incident, Adrian Daulby, aged 53, was referred to as a "hero" by his relatives in a memorial statement.
They further mentioned the fifty-three-year-old was "a beloved brother and loving uncle."
Three more people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Law enforcement on Saturday evening said four individuals were still detained after being arrested on charges related to terrorism offences.
An teenage female and a middle-aged male have been freed with no further action.