First Funeral Held for Manchester Jewish House of Worship Attack Victim
A large number of mourners have attended the funeral rites for a member of the two men who perished during Thursday's synagogue attack in the city of Manchester.
Relatives, congregants from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation along with the congregation's rabbi, and members of the broader Jewish population assembled in Pendlebury, Salford to pay their respects to Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.
Mourners crowded the cemetery forecourt, with a significant number waiting beyond the memorial building in the downpour, hearing the ceremony and the eulogy over audio systems.
The victim was killed after an attacker rammed a car into and attacked with a knife congregants gathering for a ceremony to mark the Day of Atonement – the most sacred occasion of the Jewish year – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.
'Friendly with everyone'
Rabbi Walker, who played a role in halting the perpetrator from entering the religious building, was present at Melvin's burial ceremony.
In a statement issued on the following day, the family of the victim asked for time alone and said he would "always assist others".
They said: "His kindness and caring nature were evident to all, and he always sought conversation and connection."
"He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food."
Anthony Khan, a local resident, a 35-year-old neighbour who said he was acquainted with Melvin for decades, said: "He greeted everyone warmly and refrained from negative comments about others."
Another local, Andy Kordas, recalled: "Regularly, he would initiate discussions and show interest in my daily life."
"His cheerful demeanor was constant. This situation is truly awful."
'Cherished sibling'
Bilal Ahmad, an area resident, who said he had resided locally for twenty years, mentioned that Mr Cravitz was a "exceptionally pleasant individual" and "very calm".
"A friendly hello was his standard response to anyone nearby."
The other victim of the incident, Adrian Daulby, aged 53, was referred to as a "hero" by his relatives in a public message.
They further mentioned the fifty-three-year-old was "a beloved brother and loving uncle."
Three more people were transported for medical care with serious injuries.
Police on Saturday evening said four individuals remained in custody after being taken into custody on allegations involving acts of terrorism.
An young woman and a middle-aged male have been released with no further action.