Justice Secretary David Lammy Faces Hostile Audience at Memorial for Temple Assault Casualties
Justice Secretary David Lammy was greeted by boos and chants of "shame on you" as he spoke at a memorial for victims of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation incident.
The senior politician was criticized by certain in the crowd of allowing antisemitism to rise during Labour's time in government.
The Justice Secretary, who is additionally Justice Secretary, was also condemned for the government's decision to recognize Palestine as a sovereign entity by individuals who had come to show support with those killed and injured at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation 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.
Before Mr Lammy's speech, 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 individual 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 crowd.
Lammy's Response
The Justice Secretary 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."
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 calls from the crowd, and one man 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 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."
The official finished speaking by urging 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 attendee shouted: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."
Community Members Speak
Joanne Lazarus, sixty-one, from the local area, shouted "shame on you" and "you're embarrassing" at the official as he spoke at the memorial.
She expressed desire for the government to halt weekly demonstrations.
She told 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."
The attendee, who attended the Heaton Park Shul when she was younger, said she did not think Mr Lammy would "care" about the response he received at the memorial.
Incident Information
The vigil had been organized following the deaths of two individuals, who lost their lives during the incident.
The first victim, 66, is understood to have been stabbed to death by the assailant while fifty-three-year-old the second victim is believed to be hit by a bullet fired by police as they tried to stop the attacker.
Three other people were injured, including one also believed to have been struck by a police bullet.
The attacker, who is understood to have come to the United Kingdom as a youth from Syria in 2006, was shot dead at the scene.
A suspected explosive device he was carrying was determined to be non-functional, authorities reported.