🔗 Share this article

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was met with boos and chants of "shame on you" as he appeared at a vigil for those affected of the Manchester synagogue attack.

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

The Justice Secretary, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, was also condemned for the government's decision to acknowledge a Palestinian state as a state by people who had gathered to express support with those killed and injured at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall on the previous day.

Hostile Exchange at the Vigil

Mr Lammy faced calls of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in reaction to the government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

Ahead of Mr Lammy's speech, one attendee could be heard to shout: "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 added.

Another could be overheard saying "Empty words. We want action."

As Mr Lammy started addressing with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from some in the gathering.

Lammy's Response

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 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 vigil crowd as Mr Lammy 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 heard saying "you enabled it, every Saturday", in relation to the weekly demonstrations through urban centers.

The Justice Secretary 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."

Mr Lammy finished speaking by urging those who are organizing 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 shouted: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."

Community Members Speak

A community member, 61, from Whitefield, Bury, shouted "shame on you" and "you're embarrassing" at Mr Lammy as he addressed at the vigil.

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

She told 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 added.

"That hatred is felt through the whole of the UK and through what happened here yesterday. I knew it would happen."

The attendee, who was familiar with the synagogue when she was younger, said she did not think the official would "care" about the reaction he encountered at the memorial.

Attack Details

The vigil had been arranged following the passing of two individuals, who died during the attack.

Mr Cravitz, 66, is understood to have been stabbed to death by the assailant while 53-year-old the second victim is believed to be struck by gunfire discharged by officers as they tried to stop the attacker.

Three additional individuals were hurt, including one thought to be hit by officer gunfire.

The attacker, who is reportedly arrived 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 found not to be viable, police said.