Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Faces Angry Audience at Memorial for Synagogue Attack Casualties
Justice Secretary David Lammy was greeted by jeers and shouts of "shame on you" as he appeared at a memorial for victims of the Manchester synagogue attack.
The former foreign secretary was criticized by certain in the audience of allowing anti-Jewish sentiment to rise during Labour's time in power.
Lammy, who is additionally Justice Secretary, was also criticized for the administration's move to recognize a Palestinian state as a state by individuals who had gathered to express support with those killed and injured at the Manchester synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.
Confrontation at the Memorial Service
Mr Lammy faced calls of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", seemingly in reaction to the administration's policy to establish relations with Palestine.
Ahead of Mr Lammy's speech, one attendee 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 individual added.
Another could be heard to shout "Empty words. We want action."
As the Justice Secretary began his speech with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from certain in the crowd.
Lammy's Response
The Deputy Prime Minister addressed the audience: "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."
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 calls from the crowd, and one man could be overheard stating "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 concluded his remarks by asking those who are organizing 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 the official as he spoke at the vigil.
She said she wanted the administration to halt weekly demonstrations.
She explained to news agencies: "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 Mr Lammy would "care" about the response he received at the vigil.
Attack Details
The vigil had been organized following the deaths of Melvyn Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who died during the incident.
Mr Cravitz, sixty-six, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the attacker while 53-year-old the second victim is believed to be hit by a bullet discharged by officers as they tried to stop the attacker.
Three additional individuals were hurt, including one also believed to have been hit by officer gunfire.
Al-Shamie, who is understood to have come to the United Kingdom as a youth from his home country in 2006, was shot dead at the location.
A suspected explosive device he was wearing was found not to be viable, police said.