Justice Secretary David Lammy Confronts Hostile Audience at Vigil for Synagogue Attack Casualties

Memorial gathering David Lammy speaking
Justice Secretary David Lammy was jeered and shouted at as he addressed at a vigil close to the location of the attack

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

The former foreign secretary was accused by some in the audience of allowing anti-Jewish sentiment to rise during Labour's time in government.

Lammy, who is additionally Deputy Prime Minister, was further condemned for the administration's move to recognize a Palestinian state as a state by people who had come to show solidarity with those killed and injured at the Manchester synagogue in Crumpsall on the previous day.

Hostile Exchange at the Vigil

Mr Lammy faced calls of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in reaction to the administration's policy to recognize a Palestinian state.

Ahead of the official's address, one man could be heard to shout: "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 overheard saying "Empty words. We want action."

As Mr Lammy started addressing with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from some in the crowd.

Official's Address

The Justice Secretary told the crowd: "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."

Protests continued in the vigil crowd as the official 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 concluded his remarks by urging 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 concluded, another attendee shouted: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."

Community Members Speak

Memorial mood Official at memorial
Justice Secretary David Lammy was faced protests and shouts as he addressed at the rain-soaked memorial in the city

Joanne Lazarus, sixty-one, from Whitefield, Bury, shouted "shame on you" and "you're embarrassing" at the official as he addressed at the vigil.

She expressed desire for the administration to stop weekly demonstrations.

She told media outlets: "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 added.

"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 the official would "care" about the reaction he encountered at the vigil.

Incident Information

The vigil had been arranged following the passing of two individuals, who died during the incident.

Mr Cravitz, 66, is reportedly stabbed to death by the assailant while 53-year-old Mr Daulby is believed to be struck by gunfire discharged by officers as they attempted to shoot Al-Shamie.

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

Al-Shamie, who is understood to have come to the UK as a child from Syria in the mid-2000s, was fatally wounded at the scene.

A suspected explosive device he was wearing was found not to be viable, police said.

Jamie James
Jamie James

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.