“Evil Was Radiating From Him”: Survivor Recounts Horror of Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack

Image: Jihad Watch

The Manchester Jewish community continues to grapple with the trauma of the October 2 terror attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue, as one of the survivors, Yoni Finlay, has spoken publicly about the “darkness” he felt emanating from the assailant, Jihad al-Shamie. His account sheds light on the brutality of an attack that shook the nation and raised urgent questions about extremist violence in the UK.

A Deadly Assault on Yom Kippur

The attack unfolded on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in Judaism — when 35-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen Jihad al-Shamie rammed his vehicle into the synagogue gates in Crumpsall, Manchester. Wearing a fake suicide belt and armed with a knife, he attempted to storm the building, targeting worshippers gathered for prayers.

Two congregants, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed. Three others were seriously injured, including 39-year-old Yoni Finlay, who helped barricade the synagogue doors to stop Shamie from entering and causing even greater loss of life.

A Survivor’s Words: “I Have Never Been That Close to Evil”

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Finlay described the moments of terror that continue to haunt him. He said he was overwhelmed by “a huge amount of guilt” for surviving while others did not.

“I believe there is light and there is darkness, and there was a huge amount of darkness that day,” he said. “I have never been that close to evil. You could feel it radiating off him.”

Finlay’s injuries were catastrophic. A police bullet — believed to have passed through Shamie’s body and the synagogue door — punctured his chest, collapsing his left lung. He underwent a seven-hour emergency surgery as doctors repaired his lung, diaphragm, kidney, and removed part of his bowel. The same bullet then fatally struck Adrian Daulby, adding a tragic layer to the chaotic moments of the police response.

Melvin Cravitz, meanwhile, was fatally stabbed outside the synagogue as he tried to flee.

The Attacker’s Background and Radicalisation

Following the incident, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Shamie had phoned 999 during the attack to pledge allegiance to ISIS. His declaration matched early observations from counterterrorism officers who suspected that the assault bore clear signs of jihadist motivation.

News reports from BBC, The Guardian, and Sky News noted that Shamie had a troubled background, including a history of violent behaviour, mental instability, and prior police contact. At the time of the attack, he was out on bail for a rape allegation, raising broader concerns about judicial oversight and risk assessment in cases involving potentially dangerous offenders.

Security experts interviewed by The Telegraph and The Independent highlighted that the attack fit a pattern of “low-tech, high-impact” jihad-inspired assaults seen across Europe, involving lone actors making use of vehicles, knives, and fake explosive devices. Several analysts also pointed to increasing online radicalisation — especially in closed social media channels — echoing warnings previously issued by MI5.

A Community Left Traumatized

The Heaton Park Synagogue, one of the most active Jewish centres in the region, remains under heightened security. Jewish groups, including the Community Security Trust (CST), have urged the government to increase protection for synagogues and Jewish schools. The CST reported that antisemitic incidents have risen sharply since global tensions escalated last year — a trend that has left British Jews feeling increasingly vulnerable.

Local leaders expressed admiration for the bravery shown by Finlay and other congregants who prevented the attacker from entering the prayer hall. Rabbi Jonathan Guttentag described their actions as “heroic,” stating that the death toll could have been far higher.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

The attack has revived debates about counterterrorism policies, bail assessments for violent offenders, and the inadequacy of monitoring individuals with extremist leanings. Several MPs and community representatives have demanded a review of how Shamie was free despite posing visible risks.

Home Office statements following the attack reiterated the government's commitment to tackling Islamist extremism and strengthening community protection measures. However, many argue that reforms must be more urgent and comprehensive to prevent such tragedies.

A Survivor’s Burden

For Yoni Finlay, the physical recovery is only part of the journey. He continues to struggle with survivor’s guilt and the haunting memory of confronting a man “consumed by darkness.”

Yet, his testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of a community that refused to be broken — even in the face of unimaginable terror.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)