Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Confronts Angry Crowd at Memorial for Temple Assault Casualties

Memorial gathering Official addressing crowd
Justice Secretary David Lammy was booed and heckled as he addressed at a memorial service close to the location of the assault

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was greeted by jeers and shouts of "shame on you" as he spoke at a vigil for victims of the Manchester synagogue attack.

The former foreign secretary was accused by some in the crowd of allowing antisemitism to rise during Labour's time in government.

The Justice Secretary, who is also Justice Secretary, was further condemned for the administration's move to recognize Palestine as a sovereign entity by individuals who had come to show solidarity with those affected at the Manchester synagogue in the local area on Thursday.

Confrontation at the Vigil

The Deputy Prime Minister heard shouts of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", seemingly in reaction to the administration's policy to recognize a Palestinian state.

Ahead of the official's address, 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 protester continued.

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 Justice Secretary addressed the audience: "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 continued.

"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 London and other cities.

The Deputy Prime Minister continued: "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."

Mr Lammy finished speaking by asking those who are organizing pro-Gaza marches over the weekend to "reflect with all human dignity, grace and understanding" and to "stop and stand back."

After he finished speaking, another person yelled: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."

Community Members Speak

Vigil atmosphere David Lammy at vigil
Justice Secretary David Lammy was met with heckles and jeers as he addressed at the rain-soaked memorial in the city

A community member, 61, from the local area, yelled criticisms at the official as he spoke at the vigil.

She said she wanted the government to stop pro-Palestine marches.

She told news agencies: "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."

Ms Lazarus, who was familiar with the synagogue when she was in her youth, said she did not think Mr Lammy would "care" about the response he received at the vigil.

Incident Information

The memorial had been arranged following the passing of Melvyn Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who died during the attack.

The first victim, 66, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the assailant while 53-year-old the second victim is believed to be struck by gunfire fired by police as they tried to stop the attacker.

Three additional individuals were hurt, including one also believed to have been struck by a police bullet.

The attacker, who is understood to have come to the UK as a child from his home country in 2006, was shot dead at the location.

A potential bomb he was wearing was found not to be viable, authorities reported.

Michael Fox
Michael Fox

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