Shot synagogue hero completes Manchester half-marathon months after terror attack
Yoni Finlay, wounded while helping protect worshippers during the Yom Kippur attack, fulfils recovery pledge
A Jewish father who was shot during last year’s deadly terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue has completed the Great Manchester Run half-marathon, fulfilling a promise he made during his recovery.
Yoni Finlay, who was injured while helping barricade the doors of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation during the Yom Kippur attack in October, crossed the finish line of Sunday’s 21.1km race less than eight months after being wounded.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News after the run, Finlay said completing the challenge marked an important personal milestone.
“Around seven months ago, I was shot outside the Heaton Park synagogue, on Yom Kippur. On that day, I promised myself that I would get back to a half-marathon. I did one two years ago, and I promised myself that I would do it again.
“Seven months later, I’ve managed to do it. I’m slightly disappointed because I was five seconds slower than two years ago, but I’m really, really pleased that I did it. I got through it.”
Finlay used the event to raise money for The Friendship Circle, the Salford-based charity supporting Jewish children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.
He told the Manchester Evening News that volunteering with the organisation had played a crucial role in helping him recover from the trauma of the attack.
“I feel like I owe my life to the Friendship Circle, who I raised money for today. I feel like the volunteering I did for them was the reason why I’m still here.
“So this is another way I can give back to them. “I’m pleased I did it, slightly disappointed (with the time), but pleased I got through it.”
Finlay was seriously injured during the terrorist attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on 2 October 2025, when worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
An inquest heard earlier this year that he was struck by a stray or deflected police bullet while helping secure the synagogue’s entrance as congregants sheltered inside.
The same bullet fatally wounded Adrian Daulby, who had also been helping protect those inside the building.
The attack began when Jihad Al-Shamie fatally stabbed Melvin Cravitz, 66, outside the synagogue. Volunteer security guard Andrew Franks was also stabbed but survived. Armed police subsequently shot dead the attacker at the scene.
Sunday’s half-marathon was the first Finlay had completed since the attack and came after months of rehabilitation and recovery.
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