Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Confronts Angry Audience at Vigil for Temple Assault Victims
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was greeted by boos and chants of "shame on you" as he spoke at a vigil for those affected of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation incident.
The senior politician was accused by some in the audience of allowing anti-Jewish sentiment to increase during Labour's time in power.
The Justice Secretary, who is additionally Justice Secretary, was also criticized for the government's decision to acknowledge Palestine as a state by people who had gathered to express support with those killed and injured at the Manchester synagogue in the local area on Thursday.
Confrontation at the Vigil
Mr Lammy faced calls of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", seemingly in response to the administration's policy to recognize a Palestinian state.
Ahead of the official's address, one man could be overheard yelling: "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 continued.
Another could be heard to shout "Empty words. We want action."
As the Justice Secretary began his speech with the word "friends", there were scoffs and laughter from certain in the gathering.
Lammy's Response
The Justice Secretary 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."
Protests continued in the memorial gathering as the official said "that is why we stand in defiance of those terrorists who seek to divide us."
There were calls from the crowd, and one individual could be heard saying "you enabled it, every Saturday", in reference to the weekly demonstrations through London and other cities.
The Justice Secretary continued: "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 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 person yelled: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."
Attendees Voice Concerns
A community member, sixty-one, from the local area, yelled criticisms at Mr Lammy as he spoke 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 continued.
"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 response he encountered at the vigil.
Attack Details
The vigil had been organized following the passing of two individuals, who died during the incident.
Mr Cravitz, sixty-six, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the attacker while 53-year-old Mr Daulby is understood to have been hit by a bullet fired by police as they tried to stop the attacker.
Three additional individuals were hurt, including one also believed to have been hit by officer gunfire.
The attacker, who is reportedly arrived to the United Kingdom as a youth from his home country in the mid-2000s, was fatally wounded at the scene.
A suspected explosive device he was wearing was found not to be viable, authorities reported.