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Rabbi Daniel Walker Hailed as Hero After Stopping Attacker From Entering Manchester Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue
Manchester, UK – Rabbi Daniel Walker of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation has been praised as a hero after taking decisive action to protect worshippers during a deadly attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., a man rammed a vehicle into the front of the synagogue before launching a stabbing spree outside the building.
Armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded swiftly, shooting the suspect, who is believed to have died.
Authorities later confirmed that at least two people were killed and three others remain in serious condition.
As chaos unfolded outside, Rabbi Walker—who has led Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation since 2008—barricaded the synagogue doors, preventing the attacker from gaining entry to the crowded sanctuary. Witnesses said his actions likely saved dozens of lives.
One worshipper recalled: “Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm. He shut and barricaded the doors, protecting everyone inside. He is a hero. This could have been so much worse.”
Eyewitnesses described the suspect acting in a “robotic” manner, targeting Jewish worshippers as they exited their vehicles or stood near the gates of the synagogue.
Video circulating online shows armed officers pointing their weapons at the attacker, who lay on the ground before attempting to rise.
Officers then fired again, as bomb disposal teams were called in to investigate suspicious items found on the man’s body, including what was initially feared to be an explosive belt.
Photographs taken shortly afterward showed Rabbi Walker outside the synagogue, his white kittel—robes traditionally worn by Jewish leaders on Yom Kippur—reportedly stained with blood from the scene.
One man who witnessed the assault said: “It is the holiest day of the year, and we get this. There is no place for Jews in Britain anymore. It’s horrifying. We just don’t feel safe.”
Rabbi Walker is a prominent figure in Manchester’s Jewish community. In addition to serving as Rabbi of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation since 2008, he holds several leadership roles:
- Co-chair of the Community and Interfaith Committees of the Jewish Representative Council.
- Chairman of The Friendship Circle, supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Director of the Manchester Beth Din (Ecclesiastical Court).
- Governor of King David Primary and High Schools.
Educated at Manchester Jewish Grammar School, Rabbi Walker studied in yeshivas in the United States and Israel, receiving ordination in 2003.
He previously held a number of rabbinic and educational positions both in the UK and abroad.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, saying he was “appalled” and that the fact it took place on Yom Kippur made it “all the more horrific.” He announced he would return early from a European leaders’ summit to chair a Cobra emergency meeting.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also confirmed the attack was being treated as a terrorist incident, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, praising the swift actions of emergency responders.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.