The father of the Manchester synagogue attacker has called for unity, as the community marked one week on from the assault which claimed the lives of two men.
People gathered outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall at 9.30am, the time of the attack last Thursday, to pray and mourn the victims.
Jihad al Shamie was shot dead by police after launching his car and knife attack as worshippers gathered on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Adrian Daulby, 53, is believed to have been shot dead by police while attempting to prevent al Shamie from entering the synagogue.
Mervyn Cravitz, 66, also died while trying to keep the attacker from entering the building. Three other people remain in hospital.
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Rabbi Daniel Walker told the congregation that “evil will not prevail” and called for “deep resolve” from the community.
There was applause from the crowd for Greater Manchester Police, with a large presence of officers at the event, for their response on the day of the attack.
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Raphi Bloom, a board member of the Jewish Representative Council, said there was a feeling of anger in the community as “we were screaming this would happen and no one listened”.
He told Sky News: “Our feelings are still of mourning, of fear and of isolation. We feel very alone. We’re very, very angry that this was allowed to happen and fearful that it will happen again.
“But we won’t be cowed and we won’t be beaten.”
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All six people who were arrested and questioned by police on suspicion of terrorism offences have now been released without charge.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “This does not mean our investigation has concluded.”
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Police have confirmed that al Shamie dialled 999 during the attack, claiming responsibility and pledging allegiance to Islamic State.
They have reiterated that he had never been referred to the government’s anti-terror Prevent programme and was not known to counter-terror policing.
“This remains a live counter terrorism investigation,” they said.
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In a statement posted on Facebook, al Shamie’s father Faraj wrote: “The recent tragic act of terror has brought deep pain – to our family and to the families of the victims. Our hearts and prayers are with them.
“No one should ever experience such suffering again. We must all stand together – united, vigilant and compassionate – to prevent such acts and protect the peace of our communities.”
Events have been taking place across the country to mark one week on from the attack.
