Manchester shul survivor joins thousands thanking key workers on Christmas Day
Yoni Finlay returns to Manchester Royal Infirmary as part of Time to Say Thank You founded by Rabbi Alby Chait
A survivor of the Manchester Synagogue terror attack has returned to the hospital that saved his life as part of a nationwide project which saw thousands of Jews thanking key workers on Christmas Day.
More than 4,000 Jewish volunteers across the UK and Australia participated in A Time to Say Thank You on Thursday, taking gifts and profound thanks to those working on Christmas Day in hospitals, care homes, homeless centres, fire stations and police stations.
Yoni Finlay, who was hit by a police bullet while attempted to barricade the doors of Heaton Park shul to prevent terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie getting in, returned to Manchester Royal Infirmary to thank those that treated him.
He said: “The NHS saved my life and the people who work there are heroes. Heroes who give up their Christmases to look after others. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, so already 2 months ago I asked my very good friend Rabbi Alby Chait, if I could have the privilege of giving out gifts to the wards I was on.”
Now in its seventh year, the project reached communities in Leeds, London, Radlett, North Manchester, South Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, St. Annes and in Australia.
Time to Say Thank You is backed by the Ziff family. Founder Rabbi Chait said: “Through small acts of thanks, we reintroduce ourselves every year to the wider world, showing that Jewish life is rooted in kindness, service, and the courage to reach out across communities. Gratitude is the bridge that connects communities.” He said he is already looking into expanding the project to more UK cities and more countries next year.
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