In a moving ceremony today, with a live link-up to the Magen David Adom station in Ramla, the First Lady of the State of Israel, Michal Herzog, met with the family of one of the two victims of the Yom Kippur terrorist attack on Heaton Park Shul and dedicated two MDA emergency response vehicles in their names.
The vehicles will be used in Tel Aviv and Modi’in to reach those in urgent medical need and provide paramedical assistance saving lives.
Speaking at the Ceremony, which was attended by friends, allies and supporters of the Shul from across the North West and even further afield, First Lady Michal Herzog said:
“Standing here now, after meeting the beloved families of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, I share in the enormous grief, pain and hurt for what has been taken away – loved ones, dear, precious people of courage. Naturally, there is fear for what all of this means for our future. But, in the very same breath, also so clearly present here is a sense of deep celebration of life – of lives that were lived, that we honour here now, and of lives that will yet be touched because of them, and because of what is now being done in their names.
“We honour that great life-force that moves people and communities to transform pain into goodness, loss into generosity, and to uphold our greatest gifts as a community and as a people: connection, courage, and a deep and unwavering commitment to one another. I have seen it over and over again over these years of devastation and heartbreak. In Israel, since October 7th in the UK. In Jewish communities around the world.
“It is an honour to be dedicating these two emergency response vehicles in the names of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby and to meet with their families. The bravery that each showed in giving their lives to save others is the ultimate humanitarian act.”
In a live link-up to Ramla in Israel where the two vehicles, Ronit Glaser from Magen David Adom said:
“The gift of these two vehicles in memory of those who were killed and injured in the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur, is something that will be cherished and valued by all those who benefit from their use.
“Across MDA we were shocked and saddened to have seen and heard about the horrific terrorist attack on Heaton Park and our thoughts, prayers and condolences continue to be with all the community at the Shul and in particular the families of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz and others who were injured.
“Many of us have close ties to the UK and we are deeply grateful to MDA UK for their continued funding of our work. When there is an emergency in the UK, we feel it here. Just as we know that our friends and supporters in the UK share our pain when we are under attack and never fail to support us.”
Robert Rinder MBE, ambassador for MDA UK, said:
“There is a particular resonance being here today and representing MDA UK. The bravery and sacrifice that Melvin and Adrian made in saving others chimes particularly with the work of Magen David Adom’s first responders across Israel.
“Each hour of every day, MDA volunteers risk their own lives to save others; delivering emergency support and assistance in the most dangerous of circumstances, at people’s greatest hours of need. For each of us who visit Israel or who have friends and family there, knowing that Magen David Adom is on-hand, 24/7, is a comfort at all times.”
Daniel Burger, Chief Executive of MDA UK, said:
“This was an extremely moving occasion which it was a privilege to attend. What particularly struck me was the love, respect and solidarity that was shown by our colleagues in Israel. They truly understand the horror and tragedy of what the Heaton Park community have been through and were determined to be there online to give their thanks and show their unity with the Manchester community.
“Our love and appreciation is with the Heaton Park Shul for welcoming us today, and we would like to extend our thanks to the police and CST for their work today.”
