Dr. Faraj al-Shamie, the father of the Manchester synagogue attacker, praised Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, terrorists as “God’s men on earth” in social media posts shortly after the mass attack on Israel.
On the day of the terrorist invasion, he wrote that “men like these prove they are Allah’s men on earth,” and that the operation “proved beyond doubt that Israel will not remain.”
Days later, he called on Hamas to release elderly and child hostages, referring to the attack as a “miracle by all standards.”
Al-Shamie, a trauma surgeon, later condemned his son’s attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in northern England on Thursday as a “heinous act” and expressed shock and sorrow on behalf of the family.
Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, rammed his car into the synagogue on Yom Kippur before trying to stab other worshippers.
Two men were killed in the incident, including one who was inadvertently shot by police; four others were injured, three of them seriously.
The attacker, who was free on bail for an alleged rape, was shot and killed by law enforcement at the scene. British authorities early on Friday identified the victims of the attack as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch visited the site of the synagogue attack on Saturday, with Burnham telling Sky News that he came back after Friday’s vigil “to make sure that the community knows the real hurt that was expressed yesterday has been heard.”
David Lammy, deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom, faced boos and heckles at the vigil. Participants greeted the Labour Party politician with chants of “Shame on you!” and repeatedly interrupted his memorial speech, accusing Lammy of contributing to the attack. “You enabled it every Saturday,” one man shouted, referring to anti-Israel demonstrations in London and other British cities that have been held weekly since Oct. 7.
Burnham, a self-identified socialist “soft left” member of the Labour Party, said, “I wouldn’t come back with simplistic solutions. Instead I think we need practical measures based on bottom up, cross-party, cross-faith, cross-community dialogue.” He also described as “important” welcoming Badenoch, saying her visit is appreciated.
“Jewish people should feel safe in Britain. They should not feel terrorized,” Badenoch told Sky News, adding that “many of them have told me that they want to leave. They’d rather go to Israel while Israel is at war. We need to make sure that we provide a safe environment for Jewish people.”
She later wrote on X about her meeting with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis on Saturday afternoon.
“We are witnessing record levels of antisemitism in the U.K. The tolerance of the intolerable must end. Far more must be done to protect Jewish families, support our police in this vital task and confront the hatred that has taken root in our country,” Badenoch wrote. “I assured the Chief Rabbi that I will always stand proudly with our Jewish community. My resolve will never waver.”
Meanwhile, a minute of silence for the victims of the synagogue attack was held at Old Trafford, the home stadium of Manchester United, before Saturday’s match against Sunderland. The players wore black armbands that read: “A City United.”
Four of six people arrested in connection with the synagogue attack will remain in custody for up to five more days, Greater Manchester Police said Saturday. The two men, aged 30 and 32, and two women, aged 61 and 46, are detained under suspicion of preparing and instigating acts of terrorism. Two others—a woman, 18, and a man, 43—also remain in custody for questioning.
Police are also investigating whether the Manchester attacker sent death threats in 2012 to Tory MP John Howell over his support for Israel. The series of emails from a “Jihad Alshamie” warns Howell that he “deserved to die” for his defense of the Jewish state.
Greater Manchester Police said on Saturday afternoon that “increased patrols remain” in the area.
“We have been patrolling places of worship across the city-region, with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities in north Manchester, Bury and Salford.”
Increased patrols remain, as we continue to respond to GM public
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 4, 2025
We have been patrolling places of worship across the city-region, with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities in north Manchester, Bury and Salford. pic.twitter.com/5FUMwY2acz
On Friday, the Home Office said that Jewish communities were being protected.
“It is vital the Jewish community are able to go about their daily lives without fear. Security measures are in place. This includes security personnel services, CCTV and alarm systems, at synagogues and Jewish educational establishments,” the department wrote on X.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel will arrive in Manchester on Sunday to attend an event sponsored by the Conservative Party amid rising concerns over antisemitism and strained bilateral ties following the synagogue attack and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
