Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Faces Hostile Audience at Memorial for Synagogue Attack Casualties
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was greeted by boos and chants of "shame on you" as he spoke at a memorial for those affected of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation incident.
The former foreign secretary was accused by some in the crowd of allowing antisemitism to rise during the current administration in government.
Lammy, who is additionally Justice Secretary, was further condemned for the administration's move to recognize Palestine as a sovereign entity by individuals who had gathered to express support with those killed and injured at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in the local area on the previous day.
Hostile Exchange at the Memorial Service
The Deputy Prime Minister heard shouts of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in response to the administration's policy to recognize a Palestinian state.
Ahead of Mr Lammy's speech, one man could be overheard yelling: "My children's school was closed today. You have allowed this to happen."
"You are all guilty. You have allowed Jew hatred in Manchester, on the streets. You are all guilty. We do not want you speaking here today," the individual added.
Another could be heard to shout "Empty words. We want action."
As the Justice Secretary began his speech with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from certain in the gathering.
Official's Address
The Deputy Prime Minister told the crowd: "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish people, because an attack like this is never felt alone."
"Wherever you are in our country, Jewish people, our friends, our neighbours, our loved ones are terrified by the events of yesterday – of becoming targets, victims of antisemitic hate, simply for who they are," he added.
"But I know this about Britain's Jewish community, a community I have known all of my life: You are strong, you are resilient, and you will never be cowed, and that's what I want you to know today – that our country, those of all colours, all faiths and none, stand with you."
Uproar resumed in the memorial gathering as the official said "that is why we stand in defiance of those terrorists who seek to divide us."
There were shouts from attendees, and one individual could be overheard stating "you enabled it, every Saturday", in reference to the regular pro-Palestine marches through urban centers.
The Deputy Prime Minister persisted: "We cannot, must not, let them divide us – we must show them who we really are, not what they want us to become or to believe."
The official concluded his remarks by urging those who are planning pro-Gaza marches over the coming days to "reflect with all human dignity, grace and understanding" and to "stop and stand back."
After he finished speaking, another attendee yelled: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."
Community Members Speak
A community member, sixty-one, from the local area, yelled criticisms at the official as he spoke at the vigil.
She expressed desire for the administration to halt weekly demonstrations.
She explained to media outlets: "I took the chance to make my voice heard. I can't take these marches every single Saturday."
"I've been into town on a Saturday and have been told I'm a baby killer and to 'go home'," she continued.
"That hatred is felt through the whole of the UK and through what happened here yesterday. I knew it would happen."
The attendee, who attended the Heaton Park Shul when she was younger, said she did not think Mr Lammy would "care" about the response he received at the memorial.
Attack Details
The memorial had been arranged following the deaths of two individuals, who died during the attack.
The first victim, sixty-six, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the assailant while fifty-three-year-old Mr Daulby is believed to be struck by gunfire discharged by officers as they attempted to shoot Al-Shamie.
Three additional individuals were injured, including one also believed to have been struck by a police bullet.
Al-Shamie, who is understood to have come to the United Kingdom as a child from Syria in 2006, was shot dead at the location.
A suspected explosive device he was wearing was determined to be non-functional, police said.