THE family of the security guard who was killed during the Manchester synagogue terror attack have released a heartwarming tribute.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, was hailed by his devastated relatives as a “kind and caring” man who wanted to “get to know people”.
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Security guard Melvin and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed in yesterday’s devastating attack outside Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.
Both were standing behind the barricaded doors and are thought to have helped efforts to stop the suspect from getting in.
Attacker Jihad Al-Shamie was armed with a knife and not a gun – with the only shots fired coming from the police.
In a heartwarming tribute, released through Greater Manchester Police, his family said: “Melvin would do anything to help anyone.
“He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.
“He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.
“We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss.”
Before cops shot him, the terrorist had rammed his car into a crowd of people.
He then launched a frantic knife rampage injuring four and killing two – while wearing a fake “bomb vest”.
Syrian-born al-Shamie was shot dead by armed police – seven minutes after unleashing the rampage.
Four others were injured in the horror on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Earlier today, Adrian’s family paid tribute to the “down to earth man whose final act was to save others”.
They said: “Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others.
“He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin.
“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man.
“His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025.”
What we know so far…
- Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitzas, 66, were killed in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester
- Three men are seriously injured and being treated in hospital
- Cops revealed one of those who died and another injured man suffered gunshot wounds
- The Rabbi leading the service described the attacker yelling ‘I’m going to get you’
- A witness said a car was driven towards members of the public and a man was stabbed
- Counter-terror police have confirmed the attack is being treated as a terror incident
- The knifeman was shot dead at 9.38am yesterday by armed cops
- Three other people have been arrested after a street raid
Speaking yesterday, a hero rabbi who barricaded worshippers inside the synagogue recalled the moment the terrorist shouted “I’m gonna get you”.
Daniel Walker — leading a Yom Kippur service — was hailed for his quick-thinking after the fanatic targeted the temple.
Witnesses said he remained calm before locking the doors as the man stabbed innocent victims.
He has since recounted the terrifying moment Jihad Al-Shamie tried to storm the synagogue.
He told ITV News: “When I first arrived at the synagogue there was some kind of incident outside the gates.
“Someone behaving suspiciously and aggressively. Half an hour into the prayers I heard an almighty bang from outside, shouting.
“Someone was trying to get in with a knife. When he tried to get inside, there was a large number of us trying to hold him off.”
It has since been revealed that al-Shamie was on police bail for rape following an alleged sex attack earlier this year.
He was not known to counter-terrorism agencies but had previous convictions.
It is not known when the alleged rape took place but the attacker was under investigation by Greater Manchester Police at the time.
GMP confirmed to The Sun Online al-Shamie was arrested but had been released pending investigation.
Cops are also examining whether the unmarried recluse was behind death threats sent to ex-Tory MP John Howell in 2012.
Al-Shamie came to the UK as a young child and was granted citizenship in 2006.
His father appears to have worked as a trauma surgeon for several NGOs in warzones across the world.
Al-Shamie was said to have lived in a council house in Prestwich, not far from the attack site, for 10 years.
A neighbour told The Sun: “He had no wife or kids that I could see.
“He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.”
In a televised address on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer conceded that “hatred is rising once again” in Britain.
The Prime Minister vowed to Jews that he would do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
It comes at a moment of heightened tension across the UK over what should be done regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters have been taking to the streets marching against Israel’s continued offensive against Hamas.
The terror group attacked innocent Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, and prompted an immediate and long-lasting response from Tel Aviv.
Israel’s defiant stance to continue to attack has prompted many to view them as the villains rather than the terrorists.
Jewish people now believe the marches through London are a clear signal that they are not wanted in the UK.
Since October 7 – when 1,200 innocent Jews were massacred – antisemitism has spiralled in Britain.
There were 1,521 incidents — eight a day — in the UK from January to June 2025.
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