Standing ovations for Heaton Park Rabbi at communal meeting in Manchester

The rabbi of Heaton Park Synagogue was received with multiple standing ovations during his address at the Board of Deputies plenary in Manchester, during which he described the terrible situation of the terror attack which took place on Yom Kippur.

The Board had repurposed its regular meeting as a solidarity event with Heaton Park and the Manchester Jewish community, inviting Rabbi Daniel Walker to address those present. .

Speaking to Deputies, Rabbi Walker said: “Heaton Park Shul has not felt alone. In the greatest darkness, people were there for us. I will always remember the trauma but I will always remember the kindness as well.

Addressing the Board of Deputies President, Phil Rosenberg, he added: “Phil, when you came on that very first Friday night it was tremendously meaningful because it told us that we weren’t alone. I felt that the Jewish community was here with us. I will remain forever grateful for that.”

The terror attack at Heaton Park claimed the lives of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, and seriously injured three others.

At the meeting, Deputies dedicated a special session to discussing a “Comprehensive Government Strategy on Antisemitism”, which the Board has been working on with the CST, JLC and UJS in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur attack.

The recommendations will be finalised and presented to Government over the coming days.

The plenary followed a weekend visit to Manchester communities by senior Board of Deputies figures, including the President, Vice President Andrew Gilbert, Vice President Jeremy Michelson and Community Engagement Manager Sara Radivan, who between them visited Heaton Park, Shaare Hayim, Menorah, Stenecourt, Bowdon, Hale, Shaare Shalom and Yeshurun synagogues.