Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Confronts Angry Audience at Vigil for Temple Assault Casualties
Justice Secretary David Lammy was greeted by boos and chants of "shame on you" as he appeared at a vigil for victims of the Manchester synagogue attack.
The former foreign secretary was criticized by certain in the audience of permitting anti-Jewish sentiment to rise during the current administration in government.
Lammy, who is also Justice Secretary, was further criticized for the government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state as a sovereign entity by individuals who had gathered to express support with those affected at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall on the previous day.
Hostile Exchange at the Vigil
The Deputy Prime Minister heard shouts of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", seemingly in reaction to the administration's policy to recognize a Palestinian state.
Before 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 protester continued.
Another could be overheard saying "Empty words. We want action."
As Mr Lammy began his speech with the word "friends", there were scoffs and laughter from certain 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 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 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 heard saying "you enabled it, every Saturday", in reference to the weekly demonstrations through urban centers.
The Justice Secretary 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 organizing pro-Gaza marches over the coming days to "reflect with all human dignity, grace and understanding" and to "stop and stand back."
After he concluded, another attendee shouted: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."
Attendees Voice Concerns
Joanne Lazarus, 61, from the local area, shouted "shame on you" and "you're embarrassing" at the official as he addressed at the vigil.
She said she wanted the government to halt pro-Palestine marches.
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 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 in her youth, said she did not think Mr Lammy would "care" about the reaction he encountered at the vigil.
Attack Details
The vigil had been arranged following the deaths of Melvyn Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, who died during the incident.
The first victim, 66, is understood to have been fatally attacked by the assailant while 53-year-old Mr Daulby is understood to have been struck by gunfire fired by police as they attempted to shoot the attacker.
Three additional individuals were injured, including one also believed to have been struck by a police bullet.
Al-Shamie, who is reportedly arrived to the UK as a child from Syria in 2006, was fatally wounded at the location.
A potential bomb he was carrying was determined to be non-functional, authorities reported.