A man injured in the Manchester terrorist attack has spoken for the first time about his return to the Heaten Park synagogue.
Yoni Finlay was among those barricading the doors to stop the attacker, Jihad al Shamie, from getting inside the synagogue earlier this month.
Al Shamie was shot and killed by police, but one of their bullets came through the synagogue door – striking Mr Finlay and killing Adrian Daulby, one of two men who lost their lives.
Mr Finlay was in surgery for seven hours on the day of the attack.
Today he told Sky News about his return to the scene.
“It was easier than I thought because of the love and support. It’s difficult though because obviously I know I’m lucky, we didn’t all make it, and those are the real heroes.
“It was bad – but it could have been worse – I’m here.”
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However, he also spoke about the wider effect on the synagogue community.
“It’s scary when people are going to the synagogue and just want to go about their daily lives and do their prayers.
“We shouldn’t be scared to go to synagogue.”
Mr Finlay was among those who met King Charles at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue Crumpsall today.
He spent time paying his repsoects at the outside memorial area next to the synagogue, where flowers and messages have been left by those paying their respects.
He also spoke to thos eaffected by the attack.
Mr Finlay said: “A lot of people said that it (the terror attack) was a shock, but it wasn’t a surprise what happened to our people.
“So, the fact that the King came and showed his support, showed his care, and he took a lot time as well, meant a lot.”
