Victim of synagogue attack describes Al-Shamie as 'emitting evil'

On the morning of October 2, Yoni Finlay, a father of four, was preparing to lead Yom Kippur prayers at his Manchester synagogue for the first time. The day, however, quickly turned into a nightmare when 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie carried out a violent assault at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation.

"Being in the presence of someone whose sole intention was to kill Jews is indescribable," Mr. Finlay said, recalling the moment he was struck by a stray police bullet while helping barricade the synagogue doors. "He was ready to die for that. I had never been that close to such pure evil. It was emanating from him."

At around 09:30 GMT, Al-Shamie drove into the synagogue gates in Crumpsall, running over a security guard before stabbing two volunteers, including 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, who later died from his injuries. He then approached the synagogue doors wielding a large knife and wearing what appeared to be an explosive device.

Approximately 40 people were inside the synagogue at the time. "If he had arrived two hours later, the outcome could have been much worse," Mr. Finlay said in his first broadcast interview with Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett.

As the attack unfolded, Mr. Finlay heard screams urging people to close the doors. Police arrived about seven minutes later. "He came down the steps aggressively. Officers shouted 'armed police,' and they had to open fire, believing he had a bomb," Mr. Finlay recalled. "He was shot multiple times but continued to advance, and thats when I felt the bullet hit me."

A stray police round struck Mr. Finlay in the chest and fatally hit his friend, Adrian Daulby, who was also helping barricade the doors. "It felt like being punched with incredible force," he said. "I stayed conscious all the way to surgery, unaware at first that Adrian had been killed."

Reflecting on the incident, Mr. Finlay said, "The very bullet that spared me ended Adrians life. That reality will stay with me forever, no matter my physical or mental recovery."

Despite the trauma, Mr. Finlay expressed no resentment toward the police. "They ran toward danger to protect us. Everything that happened after was a consequence of the terrorists actions," he said.

In the aftermath, Mr. Finlay reported that his faith has only strengthened. "Faith is how I survive this. Surviving felt miraculous. Every step mattered; one misstep and I wouldnt be here. I feel a responsibility to make the most of this second chance."

Al-Shamie, who called 999 from the scene, declared allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group. Mr. Finlay commented on the broader context of the attack: "It was not spontaneous. There is anger and hate that has been building. The violence didnt occur in a vacuum." Despite the horror, he also noted the overwhelming support and kindness he received afterward. "People are capable of extraordinary good. That gives me hope."

The full interview with Mr. Finlay will be available on Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett starting 06:00 GMT on Friday, December 5.

Author: Natalie Monroe