Justice Secretary David Lammy Confronts Angry Audience at Vigil for Temple Assault Casualties

Vigil scene Official addressing crowd
Justice Secretary David Lammy was booed and heckled as he addressed at a vigil near to the scene of the assault

Justice Secretary David Lammy was greeted by jeers and shouts of "shame on you" as he spoke at a memorial for those affected of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation incident.

The former foreign secretary was accused by some in the audience of allowing anti-Jewish sentiment to increase during Labour's time in power.

Lammy, who is additionally Justice Secretary, was further criticized for the administration's move to acknowledge a Palestinian state as a sovereign entity by people who had gathered to express support with those affected at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in the local area on Thursday.

Confrontation at the Memorial Service

The Deputy Prime Minister faced calls of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in response to the government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

Ahead of the official's address, 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 the Justice Secretary began his speech with the word "friends", there were scoffs and laughter 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 added.

"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."

Protests continued 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 overheard stating "you enabled it, every Saturday", in relation to the regular pro-Palestine marches through London and other cities.

The Deputy Prime Minister 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 concluded his remarks by asking those who are planning demonstrations 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."

Attendees Voice Concerns

Vigil atmosphere David Lammy at vigil
Justice Secretary David Lammy was faced heckles and jeers as he spoke at the rain-soaked vigil in Manchester

Joanne Lazarus, 61, from Whitefield, Bury, yelled criticisms at the official as he addressed at the memorial.

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

She explained to 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."

Ms Lazarus, who was familiar with the synagogue when she was younger, said she did not think the official would "care" about the response he received at the memorial.

Incident Information

The vigil had been organized following the passing of two individuals, who lost their lives during the incident.

The first victim, sixty-six, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the assailant while 53-year-old Mr Daulby is understood to have been struck by gunfire discharged by officers as they tried to stop the attacker.

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

The attacker, who is reportedly arrived to the UK as a youth from his home country in 2006, was fatally wounded at the location.

A potential bomb he was carrying was determined to be non-functional, authorities reported.

Daniel Taylor
Daniel Taylor

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others unlock their potential through mindful practices.