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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTexas rabbi details standoff: Gunman 'literally thought that Jews control the world'
COLLEYVILLE, Texas During the nearly 11 hours he was held hostage inside Congregation Beth Israel on Saturday, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker focused on what hed learned in security workshops Do whatever you have to do to get out, he said and on making sure that the gunman saw him and the three other congregants inside the synagogue as human beings.
But Cytron-Walker was able to steal brief moments for reflection, silently praying the Shma and offering the Hashkiveinu: Grant, O God, that we lie down in peace, and raise us up, our guardian, to life renewed. Spread over us the shelter of your peace.
As the hours passed and Malik Faisal Akram, the British gunman, became increasingly agitated, Cytron-Walker saw an opportunity to escape. One hostage had been released earlier in the day, and Cytron-Walker told the two men who remained with him to run for a fire door before throwing a chair at the assailant and sprinting after them.
It was really a matter of looking and waiting for an opportunity where all of us could go and no one would be left behind, Cytron-Walker said in an interview with the Forward on Monday morning.
more...
Ocelot II
(115,869 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(145,619 posts)I really like and admire this Rabbi
Link to tweet
Glimpsing an opportunity, Cytron-Walker sprang into action.
I made sure that the two gentlemen who were still with me, that they were ready to go, the rabbi recounted in an interview with CBS Morning News. The exit wasnt too far away. I told them to go. I threw a chair at the gunman, and I headed for the door.
And all three of us were able to get out without even a shot.
A more complete picture emerged Monday of what unfolded inside the Texas synagogue where an armed British citizen took a rabbi and three congregants hostage in what the FBI calls an act of terrorism. Cytron-Walker and another hostage, Jeffrey Cohen, described how hostage-taker Malik Faisal Akram revealed a gun as the group said prayers Saturday, then repeatedly threatened them over the course of 11 terrifying hours. He allowed them to call their families, Cohen said in a lengthy Facebook post, and at one point told them to get on their knees.
malaise
(269,187 posts)There is too much hate promoted across this planet
LetMyPeopleVote
(145,619 posts)Link to tweet
Akram, who could be heard saying he targeted the synagogue because the United States only cares about Jewish lives, called for Siddiqui to be released. He referred to Siddiqui as my sister, an expression of solidarity because her family says they were not related. He asked to see her and said they would rise together to Jannah, the Muslim paradise where the faithful are taken after Judgment Day.....
Cytron-Walker said, I encourage all Jewish congregations, religious groups, schools, and others to participate in active-shooter and security courses.
LetMyPeopleVote
(145,619 posts)Hekate
(90,829 posts)Us too. They are her friends, and brought her favorite dish.
LetMyPeopleVote
(145,619 posts)JI7
(89,276 posts)and some other non Arab and non Persian Muslims than among the Arab and Persian muslims including Palestinians.
Poiuyt
(18,130 posts)it seems to be getting more dangerous. I'm thinking of the guy who took his assault rifle to the pizza place to rescue the kids in the nonexistant basement.
tenderfoot
(8,438 posts)A: How did he get into the country?
B: Was it because it's easier to get guns in Texas?
EX500rider
(10,872 posts)He wanted to free a US terrorist prisoner.
tenderfoot
(8,438 posts)He sounds like a raging asshole whose family couldn't even stand him.
Solly Mack
(90,787 posts)I read a great article on the Rabbi this morning. Talked of how well he handled the situation with the hostage-taker.