Hero rabbi ‘barricaded doors’ to try and save them during Manchester synagogue terror attack

The Rabbi of the Manchester synagogue has been named as a hero after trying desperately to save worshippers during the terrifying attack, residents have said.

Rabbi Daniel Walker, who has been leading the synagogue since 2008, shut the doors of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue to stop the unnamed knifeman from getting inside the building.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly at 9.31am after witnesses said they saw a car being driven towards members of the public and a security guard had been attacked with a knife.

Follow Metro’s live blog for the latest on the Manchester synagogue attack

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the suspect was shot dead by firearms officers shortly afterwards. Two people have died and three remain seriously injured.

A major incident has been declared and bomb disposal experts are at the scene.

Counter Terrorism Police have now said it was a terrorist attack and two people have been arrested.

Rabbi Walker was seen emerging from the synagogue earlier this morning, with bloodstains on his robes.

The rabbi has been praised for remaining calm as the violence unfolded, with some members of the congregation calling him a hero.

Chava Lewin told Daily Mail: ‘My friend saw him crash the car near the synagogue.

‘At first she thought he’d had a heart attack. Then he got out and started stabbing everyone he could get to.

‘Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm, he shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside.

‘He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero, this could have been even worse.’

Chava added: ‘Some of the congregation were inside at the time but others were still arriving.

‘We saw someone being resuscitated in the courtyard.

‘It’s so scary, we just don’t feel safe now.

‘To think someone would choose today of all days to attack us is horrifying.’

Raphi Bloom, a member of Heaton Park’s congregation who was on the way to the synagogue when the attack unfolded, said he was not surprised to hear of Rabbi Walker’s bravery.

He told Metro: ‘He is an incredible Rabbi. He does a lot of interfaith work.’

Bloom explained that the attack came just as the Rabbi was about to lead the ceremony for the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, with many of the congregation having fasted for hours.

He added: ‘It is a shocking day, but something we expected for two years.’

The attack has been met with condemnation across public life, with Sir Keir Starmer, King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales all paying tribute to the victims.

King Charles said:‘My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.’

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said it was an ‘appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year’.

Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, said: ‘Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.

‘It’s a very solemn day and synagogues across the country will be full throughout the day.

‘There’s always a significant security operation in place between police and CST across the Jewish community on all major Jewish festivals.’

The British Muslim Trust described the attack as ‘despicable’ and ‘cowardly’, and said it stands with the Jewish community.

In addition to his work at the synagogue, Rabbi Walker also works as chairman of The Friendship Circle, which helps people with disabilities, and is the governor of King David Primary and High Schools.

He has previously held a number of rabbinic and educational positions in Israel and the UK.

He was educated at Manchester Jewish Grammar School and went on to study in yeshivas in the USA and Israel, where he received his ordination in 2003.

The leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, said Manchester will ‘come together’ to support the Jewish community in the wake of today’s attack.

She added: ‘We are all horrified by this shocking and reprehensible attack on members of Manchester’s Jewish community, on their holiest day.

‘Our thoughts are with those who have been killed and seriously injured, their loved ones and with everyone who has been affected by this awful incident.’

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