The father of the ISIS-inspired Manchester synagogue terrorist has bemoaned his family’s “pain” – after his son’s rampage killed two innocent victims. Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue after his car and knife attack that saw two Jewish worshippers killed last Thursday (October 2).
On Wednesday counter-terror police revealed the twisted terrorist made a 999 call in which he pledged allegiance to Islamic State, or ISIS, after driving into worshippers and hitting a wall. Now – one week on from the tragedy – his trauma surgeon father Faraj Al-Shamie has posted on Facebook, calling for unity in Manchester, but while also bemoaning his family’s pain. The father’s post comes after it was revealed in 2023 he praised the October 7 Hamas terrorists as “Allah’s men on earth” after their slaughter of men, women and children in Israel – and a “miracle by all standards.”
But on Thursday he wrote: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has shown care and support to us during this difficult time.
“Your kindness, your words, and your presence have truly touched our hearts. You stood by us when it mattered most, and we will always be grateful.
“The recent tragic act of terror has brought deep pain — to our family and to the families of the victims. Our hearts and prayers are with them. No one should ever experience such suffering again.
“We must all stand together — united, vigilant, and compassionate — to prevent such acts and protect the peace of our communities.”
He added: “My sincere thanks also go to the Manchester Police, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety, justice, and peace for everyone.
“Manchester has always been — and remains — a shining example of unity and coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of all faiths live side by side in respect and harmony. Having lived here for years, I can say with pride that this city embodies the true spirit of multicultural peace and solidarity.
“Once again, thank you all for your strength, humanity, and support. May no family in the world ever endure the pain we have faced.”
It is the second time Faraj has posted on Facebook about the tragedy, having previously condemned his son’s “heinous” act.
Last week’s attack on Yom Kippur has been described as a “lone wolf” incident by officials as investigations continue.
Father-of-three Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed, along with Adrian Daulby, 53, believed to have been inadvertently shot by police as he ran to block the synagogue doors to stop Al-Shamie getting inside to continue his knife rampage.
Counter-terror police believe that Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology.
Police said the killer had been seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue shortly before launching the attack. He said this was not reported to police because the man walked away when challenged.
But around 15 minutes later, Al-Shamie returned to the scene in a black Kia and deliberately drove the car at innocent members of the public before colliding with a wall.
He then stepped out of the vehicle armed with a knife and resumed his attack. Al-Shamie had a second knife in his possession and was also wearing a hoax device on his person.
Wednesday’s fresh police update saw Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, reveal that four more people arrested during the investigation were set to be released without charge.
Six people were held in the aftermath, with two – a man and a woman – arrested in the hours after the attack and already released last Sunday evening.
Police also confirmed that a suspected explosive belt Al-Shamie was wearing around his waist was a “hoax device” that had since been assessed and “found to be non-viable”.
A woman has since revealed how she married Jihad Al-Shamie in a bizarre Zoom wedding, all from the comfort of her own living room.
The bride, who later ended her relationship with the terrorist after discovering he was already married, said the Islamic ceremony, conducted during Covid restrictions, was ‘over and done within 10 minutes’.
Al-Shamie had told the woman they could only be together if they got married first – only to later reveal he was already married in a series of remorseful text messages.
She met Al-Shamie just before Christmas in 2021 via the dating app Muzz, formerly known as Muzmatch, and they were married by the end of January 2022.
The woman, a 38 year-old mum, said: “He set all the marriage up, it was all done by him.”
The woman, who had previously converted to Islam, initially believed she was in love with Al-Shamie. However, she revealed that he subjected her to both mental and sexual abuse, and constantly lied to her to protect his secret.
She described him as: “He was nice, then he was vile. Nice, vile. It was his way or no way.”
