Nearly £100,000 raised for Heaton Park Shul crisis after Yom Kippur terror attack

A crisis fundraising campaign launched by Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation has raised almost £100,000 to support families, survivors and the rebuilding of the shul following the Yom Kippur terror attack in which two worshippers were killed.

The Heaton Park Shul Crisis Fund, which aims to raise £150,000, will assist the dependents of the deceased, those injured in the attack, eyewitnesses and the wider congregation, as well as fund repairs and enhanced security at the synagogue.

In a message recorded inside the synagogue, Rabbi Daniel Walker said the community was “tremendously grateful for all the support we’ve received from around the world” and urged people to “continue that support by supporting our fund.”

Alan Levy, Chair of Trustees, added: “Almost a week after the horrific incident we encountered on Yom Kippur, when a jihadi terrorist tried to get into our synagogue and kill our congregation, we’re now trying to move away from this darkness into the light.

“We want to support the dependents of the deceased. We want to support the injured. We want to support members of the congregation – particularly the heroic actions of those who witnessed the jihadist trying to get into the synagogue – with anything they need to help them get on with their lives. And we also want to support the shul itself.”

A statement on the campaign page adds: “Last week’s horrific attack at Heaton Park Shul shook our entire community in ways we didn’t know were possible. Lives have been shattered, families are mourning, and our beloved shul bears the scars of violence.”

Funds will go towards counselling, recovery programmes, and essential building repairs “to ensure safety and strength for the future.”

Alongside the synagogue’s campaign, a separate GoFundMe appeal has raised more than £75,000 for Andrew Franks, a volunteer security guard seriously injured in the attack while protecting worshippers. The fundraiser, launched by Jonathan Patoff, will help Franks and his 16-year-old daughter, Tamara, as he recovers from severe injuries.

Patoff described Franks as a “quiet and unassuming good man who behaved heroically in defending the congregants of the Heaton Park Synagogue, giving others time to lock the door and save lives.”

The 3 October attack left Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz dead and several others injured. The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, 27, was shot dead by armed police at the scene.

Donations can be made to the official Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Crisis Campaign here.