HM King Charles Brings Comfort, Love and Support to Manchester’s Jewish Community in a Visit That Heals Hearts and Inspires Hope
King Charles III travelled to Manchester to personally convey his heartfelt condolences and solidarity following the horrific attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall — an act of terror that stunned and deeply saddened the people of Manchester and the entire United Kingdom. Earlier this month, during Yom Kippur, the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, two innocent worshippers — Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66 — were brutally murdered by an assailant who told police he was acting in the name of Islamic State. The attack, carried out in a sacred place of prayer and reflection, left the nation horrified and united in grief.
As His Majesty arrived at the synagogue, he was greeted with warmth and gratitude by Rabbi Daniel Walker, spiritual leader of the congregation, and joined by Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. Together, they paused before the sea of floral tributes and candles outside the synagogue — a poignant symbol of mourning and resilience. It was a moment heavy with emotion, where grief met grace, and where the compassion of Manchester’s people shone through the darkness.
The King’s visit was far more than a formal engagement. It was a deeply human gesture of compassion, a message of unity and moral resolve — a reminder that in times of fear and loss, no community stands alone. Upon his arrival, His Majesty, Rabbi Daniel Walker, and Sir Ephraim Mirvis and together, they paused in solemn reflection before the floral tributes laid outside the synagogue — a quiet yet powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and enduring solidarity of a community determined not to be broken by hate.
In-depth engagement with the community
Inside the synagogue, King Charles met senior community representatives and survivors of the attack. These included: Alan Levy, Chair of the synagogue trustees, Hilary Foxler, President of the synagogue, Amanda Bomsztyk, Northern Regional Director of the community, Yoni Finlay, a survivor who was injured while helping to barricade the doors during the attack. During these conversations the King spoke personally and attentively, asking how they were doing and acknowledging the shock of what had happened. His presence emphasised that leadership involves listening, connection and empathy. After the attack, Charles said was “deeply shocked and saddened” and during his visit to the synagogue he met some of those who had been inside when it took place.
Meeting the Heroic first-responders
The visit then proceeded to the headquarters of Greater Manchester Police, where the King met with frontline responders including police officers, firefighters, ambulance crews and others involved in managing the incident. Among those he met were Sir Stephen Watson (Chief Constable) and Andrew Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester). He thanked them for their bravery, recognising that in the darkest hours their readiness, courage and humanity made a profound difference.
A message of Unity
King Charles used the visit not simply to console but to uplift. He emphasised the need for society to confront extremism, the “ghastliness” of radicalisation and the importance of community resilience. By meeting survivors, community leaders and responders, he reinforced that solidarity in adversity is more than symbolic — it’s essential. As he departed Manchester, the King left behind more than a royal visit — he left a message of unwavering support and strength: that in the face of hate, communities will stand together; that wounds, though deep, can be healed with human kindness and shared resolve; and that leaders show their worth not in distance, but in presence.
HM King Charles III visit will be remembered not only for the tragedy it followed, but for the hope it offered, an act of compassion, humanity, and steadfast support. His presence carried a powerful message: that in the face of hatred and senseless violence, the Royal Family, the UK Government and the United Kingdom stands as one — United in Sorrow, Strength, and Support.
