Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy Faces Hostile 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 memorial for those affected of the Manchester synagogue attack.
The former foreign secretary was criticized by certain in the audience of allowing antisemitism to increase during Labour's time in government.
Lammy, who is additionally Deputy Prime Minister, was also criticized for the government's decision to acknowledge a Palestinian state as a sovereign entity by people who had come to show solidarity with those killed and injured at the Manchester synagogue in the local area on the previous day.
Confrontation at the Memorial Service
The Deputy Prime Minister heard shouts of "go to Palestine, leave us alone", apparently in reaction to the government's decision 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 individual added.
Another could be overheard saying "Empty words. We want action."
As Mr Lammy began his speech with the word "friends", there were mocking and chuckles from some in the gathering.
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."
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 shouts from attendees, and one man 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 finished speaking by urging those who are planning demonstrations over the weekend to "reflect with all human dignity, grace and understanding" and to "stop and stand back."
After he finished speaking, another attendee yelled: "They called for our death in the past. Walk past a university some day."
Community Members Speak
A community member, 61, from Whitefield, Bury, yelled criticisms at Mr Lammy as he addressed at the memorial.
She said she wanted the government to stop 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 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 vigil.
Attack Details
The vigil had been organized following the passing of two individuals, who died during the attack.
The first victim, sixty-six, is reportedly stabbed to death by the assailant while 53-year-old the second victim is believed to be struck by gunfire fired by police as they attempted to shoot the attacker.
Three other people were injured, including one also believed to have been struck by a police bullet.
The attacker, who is reportedly arrived to the United Kingdom as a child from his home country in the mid-2000s, was shot dead at the location.
A potential bomb he was wearing was found not to be viable, authorities reported.