Family of synagogue attack victim call for 'day of kindness'

The family of a man killed in the Manchester synagogue attack have called for people to mark the first anniversary of his death with acts of kindness.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, was stabbed to death by 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on 2 October last year.

A second victim, 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, was fatally wounded by a stray bullet fired by armed police as he helped to block the synagogue doors.

Syrian-born UK citizen Al-Shamie was shot dead during the rampage, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews.

Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide vest, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in a 999 call made moments after he drove his car into the gates of the synagogue and began attacking worshippers with a knife.

Congregants successfully blocked him from entering the synagogue.

In the wake of Cravitz's death, his family paid tribute to him as "kind and caring" and said he "would do anything to help anyone".

As the anniversary of the attack approaches his relatives and friends said they always described him as a "mensch" – a Yiddish word for a person of decency who shows up and takes responsibility for those around them.

Cravitz's stepdaughter, Sherelle Dresner, wants 2 October to become National Mensch Day and is setting up a charity, Mensch Like Melvin, to create a lasting legacy.

Dresner, from Bury, Greater Manchester, said: "One year on our grief is still raw and the pain has not lessened.

"But the months following Melvin's murder have strengthened our commitment to putting good into the world, in whatever shape that may be.

"Being a mensch transcends religion, background, and identity. It just means being a good person.

"It can be checking on a neighbour, holding a door for someone struggling, volunteering your time for someone – something that is right, kind, and decent.

"Anyone can be a mensch. On 2nd October, in memory of Adrian and Melvin, please be one."

Inquests into their deaths will be held on a date to be fixed next year.

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