The father of the terrorist who targeted members of the Jewish community outside a Manchester synagogue on Thursday expressed in online posts his intention to ‘sip Arabic coffee and watch’ Israel’s downfall, while also commending Hamas.
Faraj Al-Shamie, originally from Syria and father of the 35-year-old Islamist attacker Jihad Al-Shamie, has frequently shared content on social media relating to Israel even before the Syrian civil war.
As a surgeon with experience in several conflict zones, he relocated with his family to the UK over 25 years ago before separating from his wife and moving from their family home in Prestwich, Manchester to France a decade ago.
Following the news of his son’s involvement in an Islamist terror plot that resulted in two deaths and four injuries, he issued a statement disavowing the ‘heinous act’ attributed to his son.
However, it was recently reported that Faraj Al-Shamie lauded Hamas fighters after October 7, calling them ‘men of God on earth’.
Newly uncovered posts reveal that amidst the Syrian civil war, the surgeon noted his anticipation to celebrate ‘the end’ of Israel, using the hashtag ‘the beginning of Israel’s demise’.
In translated posts, Mr Al-Shamie wrote that the Israeli state would last no longer than eighty years and said: ‘As for us, we will sip Arabic coffee and watch once again… the end of your nation.’
The comments came just six months prior to the October 7 attacks.
Syrian-born Faraj Al-Shamie posted about celebrating ‘the end’ of Israel, adding the hashtag ‘the beginning of Israel’s demise’
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, who was shot dead minutes after he targeted Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday
Police officers walk towards the scene at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, as investigations continue on Saturday
During the civil war in Syria as early as 2015, Mr Al-Shamie also praised Hamas fighters, specifically their ‘spirit, determination, faith and steadfastness’.
And in 2012, he described Israel as an ‘arch-enemy’, adding the state is ‘the head of the snake and the source of destruction, division and injustice in our countries.’
Later posts saw him compare crimes committed by Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad to those committed by Adolf Hitler.
He wrote that ‘history will apologise’ to Hitler, arguing his actions were not as bad as those of the Syrian regime.
Mr Al-Shamie did condemn the actions of terrorist group ISIS in Syria and appeal for murders by their fighters to end. But in April 2015 he suggested he might support the group ‘for one day’ after victories over the Assad regime – although he quickly returned to condemning the violence inflicted upon the world by the terror organisation.
Yesterday it was reported that Faraj Al-Shamie also praised the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
On October 7, 2023, the trauma surgeon who came to the UK from Syria, urged the Hamas terrorists to ‘take good care of your weapons and aim them accurately for your brothers’ hours after the fighters began their bloodthirsty siege of Israel.
Mr Al-Shami wrote: ‘Men like these prove that they are men of God on earth and regardless of who leads them, they are the real compass of men who are confident of their victory.
Melvin Cravitz, 66 (pictured) was killed in the terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester yesterday
Adrian Daulby, 53, was also killed in the attack after being accidentally shot by police
Hero worshippers can be seen in the windows behind Jihad Al-Shamie as they barricaded the doors at Heaton Park Synagogue before police opened fire
‘Oh men of Allah (…) take good care of your weapons and aim them accurately for your brothers (…) may God protect Palestine and its heroic people.’
He also expressed support for the Iranian missile attacks on Israel, which killed dozens of innocent civilians, writing: ‘we are waiting for more’.
But he did also condemn Hamas for taking elderly prisoners, writing: ‘Release the elderly and children.
‘What you [Hamas] have done so far is a miracle by all standards. Do not harm them in a moment of anger. They have no place in war.’
Following the Heaton Park Synagogue terror attack in Crumpsall, Manchester on Thursday, the surgeon put out a statement on social media distancing the rest of the family from his son’s actions.
It read: ‘The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us. The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
‘We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.
‘We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.
The scene at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Saturday
The investigation has seen specialist units including sniffer dogs and bomb disposal attend the scene
Floral tributes have been left near to the Heaton Park synagogue by members of the local community
‘May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.’
It came after Jihad Al-Shamie drove his car at members of the Jewish community before attacking them with a knife and attempting to force entry inside the synagogue.
An eyewitness has told how they heard Al-Shamie shout: ‘This is what you get for killing our children,’ as he launched the attack.
The 35-year-old, who was on bail for an accusation of rape at the time, wore a fake suicide belt and was shot dead by police within seven minutes of the first 999 call.
It is understood he was not known to police or security forces prior to the attack and had not previously been referred to Prevent.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed outside Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester on Thursday morning.
Greater Manchester Police admitted yesterday that Mr Daulby was accidentally shot by officers as they targeted Al-Shamie, adding a second victim sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Three people remain in hospital with serious injuries while a fourth has been discharged.
Among the injured is said to be Yoni Finlay, who worshippers said was the second person hit by a stray police bullet.
Security guard Bernard Agyemang, who was guarding the synagogue at the time, is also said to be in hospital.
The IOPC has launched an independent investigation into the police response.
