Hostage Situation at Texas Synagogue

We are horrified by the hostage situation that began this morning when an armed gunman entered Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas during Shabbat services. 

We want to share with you this Facebook post from the clergy of Temple Sholom, as well as statements from The Jewish Federations of North America, and The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), which is the advocacy agent for all Jewish Federations across Canada.

Shabbat should be a time of peace. We are praying for the safety of the hostages, and we are holding them, their families and congregants in our hearts tonight. Our CEO, Ezra Shanken, has reached out to Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas to offer our support at this difficult time.

Law enforcement across the Lower Mainland have confirmed that there is no increased threat to our community at this time. 

Since the situation in Texas remains fluid, Daniel Heydenrych, our director of security, will continue to be in touch with local law enforcement. At our request, they have already increased their patrols of Jewish community institutions, out of an abundance of caution. We appreciate their quick response and concern for public safety.

Daniel has also reached out to local Jewish organizations and advised them to review and follow their established security protocols. Our Community Security Advisory Committee is continuing to monitor the situation and will update organizations as needed.

Community security is one of our Federation’s strategic priorities. It is an area in which we have long taken a proactive approach and in which we have invested significantly over many years.

In addition to Daniel’s important role as a senior professional, our Community Security Advisory Committee plays an active part in this work. They are focused on assessing the risks facing community institutions, and proposing strategies for a comprehensive approach to security and safety that will serve our community for the long term.

It goes without saying that violent antisemitism should have no place the world. Unfortunately, the situation today is a reminder of the role each of us plays in keeping our community safe.

If you see something suspicious or that is hateful to our community, tell someone. First, call police. Second, report the incident to CIJA through the National Community Security Program.

We expect that many of you will wish to follow the situation. You can find live news updates here and periodic updates on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

As this awful situation continues, our community stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community of Greater Dallas, and we pray for a swift and peaceful resolution.

Am Israel chai.


Sincerely,

Candace Kwinter
Board Chair

Bernard Pinsky
Chair, Security Advisory Committee 

Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer