“This is known as where the righteous come in, this is a place of joy. Tonight we are reclaiming that joy and that light and shining it out to the whole world”An event at Heaton Park synagogue marking the start of Hannukah.

It should have been a celebration – but there was a sombre note in the air as Heaton Park Synagogue marked the start of Hanukkah this evening (December 15).

Under the Manchester drizzle, friends and family exchanged hugs in greeting as Chief Rabbi Daniel Walker prepared to take to the stage and light the menorah, a central ritual of the Jewish festival of light which began yesterday.

Groups of children wearing light-up headbands watched with interest as an entertainer span a fluorescent dreidel, which left a mesmerising circle of neon in the dark night air.

Across the world, less than 48 hours previously, a group of people had gathered for an almost identical celebration. But theirs ended in horror, when 16 innocent people’s lives were ripped from them in a shocking terrorist attack.

Two gunmen, a father and son, opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday (December 14), on the first day of the Jewish festival.

It was a despicable attack, but one that will have been all too grimly familiar for this congregation, less than ten weeks on from the day that terror stalked their doorstep.

Terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the synagogue on October 2 this year, on what was Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. He then began attacking people with a knife.

Al-Shamie was shot dead by armed police, who arrived on the scene within minutes. But worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby tragically lost their lives.

Opening the ceremony tonight outside the synagogue doors, Rabbi Walker paid tribute to both men, saying: “This is a deeply emotive place to be lighting the menorah. Here on this spot, evil stood.

Rabbi Daniel Walker addressing the congregation(Image: Gary Oakley)

“This is known as where the righteous come in, this is a place of joy. Tonight we are reclaiming that joy and that light and shining it out to the whole world,” he continued.

Watching on on stage were the leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig and government Minister for Victims Alex Davies-Jones. They were joined by Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable John Webster and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

In a moving address to the 200 or so people gathered, the mayor described the Bondi and Crumpsall attacks as ‘abhorrent acts of antisemitism’ that he promised to condemn.

“Tonight we are reclaiming this space,” he said, echoing the Rabbi’s earlier words. “We are determined to stand with our Jewish friends and neighbours, and support you today and always.

“I know what happened in Sydney has reverberations here. It can be hard in these times to find hope. But I think it can be found in the actions of people.

Andy Burnham addressing the congregation(Image: Gary Oakley)

“The fruit stall owner who stepped forward and challenged the gunman in Sydney. The guard on the train in Huntingdon who stood in front of the knife coming towards him.

“In this very place, at this synagogue, it can be found in acts of bravery. The people who stood behind that door – the members of this congregation who stood against hate and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. That is where hope can be found and that’s what we hold onto.”

Then paying tribute to Rabbi Walker, who appeared visibly moved as cheers and applause rang out, the mayor said: “We salute you for the leadership you have shown ever since this event – for the strength that you have shown, for leading from the front, with such compassion.

“We as civic and political leaders owe you an enormous debt of thanks, but we resolve to do more, to provide the reassurance and work with partners of the Jewish community and protect it.

“We give you that commitment tonight. We are ready to do more to stand with you.”

Prayers were then recited as the widow of Melvin Cravitz lit the central candle (known as a shamash) and then two others, to symbolise the first and second nights of the eight-day holiday.

The lighting of the menorah outside Heaton Park synagogue. (Image: Gary Oakley)

These poignant scenes were then followed by raucous singing and dancing as young children moved off excitedly towards the fire display, or to the food stall where latkes and steaming cups of soup were being handed out.

In other words, it moved on like any other religious celebration should be able to: joyfully and without incident.

But it was made all the more meaningful by this brief moment of reflection, and declaration of solidarity with another grieving community, half a world away, that must feel closer to home than ever.