Manchester, UK – October 20, 2025: King Charles visited the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester to express his solidarity with the Jewish community, the families of victims, and the emergency workers who responded to the recent terrorist attack. His visit follows the tragic events of October 2, when an attacker identified as Jihad al-Shami carried out a deadly assault that claimed two lives and injured three others.
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What Happened: Details of the Manchester Synagogue Attack
During the attack, Jihad al-Shami, armed with a knife and wearing a fake suicide belt, rammed his car into worshippers outside the synagogue before attempting to enter the building. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Melvin Kravitz (66), a father of three, and Adrian Dolby (53), who bravely tried to block the entrance, were both killed.
Investigators later confirmed that Mr. Dolby’s death was likely the result of a tragic mistake made by armed police who inadvertently shot him while responding to the chaos. Three others were seriously injured — Yoni Finlay, who helped secure the doors; a security guard struck by the car; and a Community Security Trust (CST) worker who was stabbed during the incident.
King Charles’s Visit to the Synagogue
King Charles was warmly welcomed by Rabbi Daniel Walker upon his arrival at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, located just meters from the attack site. The King spent time at an outdoor memorial near the synagogue, where mourners had left flowers and heartfelt messages of support for the victims and their families.
The visit symbolized a powerful message of unity, compassion, and resilience, not just for Manchester’s Jewish community but for the entire nation. The King also met with emergency service personnel, personally thanking them for their swift and courageous actions that prevented further casualties.
Greater Manchester Police received widespread praise for their quick response, arriving on the scene within seven minutes, an action that experts have described as exemplary in preventing a larger tragedy.
Royal Family Background and Public Reaction
This appearance marked King Charles’s first official engagement since his brother, Prince Andrew, stepped back from royal duties amid renewed scrutiny following the posthumous release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir. Despite the controversies surrounding the royal family, the King’s visit reflected his dedication to community support and his desire to honor emergency responders who risked their lives during the Manchester tragedy.
Community Response and Fundraising Efforts
In response to the attack, a fundraising campaign was launched to support the Community Security Trust (CST) — a UK-based charity that protects Jewish people and institutions from antisemitism and terrorism. The initiative has already raised over £19,000, reflecting a strong display of public solidarity and a growing awareness of the need to protect vulnerable communities.
CST works closely with law enforcement and government agencies to provide training, security advice, and assistance to Jewish organizations. Following the October 2 attack, campaign organizers emphasized the importance of unity, vigilance, and continued support amid rising anti-Semitic incidents across the UK.
Conclusion: A Message of Unity and Strength
The Heaton Park Synagogue attack stands as a painful reminder of the challenges faced by the Jewish community in Britain, particularly amid increasing incidents of anti-Semitic violence. King Charles’s visit underscores the royal family’s commitment to supporting victims, their families, and the brave responders who acted quickly to save lives.
As investigations continue, the ongoing fundraising efforts for the Community Security Trust will play a vital role in ensuring continued safety and resilience for Jewish communities across the country. The King’s presence brought hope, healing, and a reaffirmation that hate will never defeat unity.