The Rabbi of a Colleyville, Texas, synagogue <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-news-alert-texas-8a094fb7cd9d565a8ceb57f3e9a8f467">says</a> that he threw a chair at the gunman who held Jewish worshippers captive on Saturday, allowing him to escape with two other hostages after a 10-hour standoff.
“The rabbi of a Texas synagogue said Monday that he threw a chair at the gunman and then escaped with two other hostages after a 10-hour standoff,” reported <a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-synagogue-hostage-standoff-terrorism-d4b1e482919d28fdaf25de0776dd1200">The Associated Press</a>.
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who was held hostage on Saturday along with three of his congregants, also credited regular active-shooter preparation education with saving lives.
The New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/01/17/texas-rabbi-credits-security-training-for-hostage-survival/">reported</a> that Cytron-Walker said his synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel, “participated in multiple security courses,” including some with local police and the FBI.
“Over the years, my congregation and I have participated in multiple security courses from the Colleyville Police Department, the FBI, the Anti-Defamation League, and Secure Community Network,” Cytron-Walker said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewkassel/status/1482811997825773577?s=20">statement</a>. “We are all alive today because of that education. I encourage all Jewish congregations, religious groups, schools, and others to participate in active-shooter and security courses.”
“In the last hour of our hostage crisis, the gunman became increasingly belligerent and threatening,” Cytron-Walker added. “Without the instruction we received, we would not have been prepared to act and flee when the situation presented itself.”
“There is no question that this was a traumatic experience,” the Rabbi said. “We appreciate all the love, prayers and support from our local community and throughout the world. We are grateful for the outcome. We are resilient and we will recover.”
“First of all, we escaped. We weren’t released or freed,” Jeffrey R. Cohen, another man held hostage, said on Facebook.
“Cohen said the men worked to keep the gunman engaged. They talked to the gunman, he lectured them. At one point as the situation devolved, Cohen said the gunman told them to get on their knees,” The Associated Press reported. “Cohen recalled rearing up in his chair and slowly moving his head and mouthing ‘no.’ As the gunman moved to sit back down, Cohen said Cytron-Walker yelled to run.”
“The exit wasn’t too far away,” Cytron-Walker said. “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 being fired.”
“Thanks to the courageous work of state, local and federal law enforcement, four Americans who were held hostage at a Texas synagogue will soon be home with their families. I am grateful to the tireless work of law enforcement at all levels who acted cooperatively and fearlessly to rescue the hostages. We are sending love and strength to the members of Congregation Beth Israel, Colleyville, and the Jewish community,” President Joe Biden announced in a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/15/statement-by-president-biden-on-the-hostage-situation-at-congregation-beth-israel-in-colleyville-texas/">statement</a>. “There is more we will learn in the days ahead about the motivations of the hostage taker. But let me be clear to anyone who intends to spread hate—we will stand against antisemitism and against the rise of extremism in this country. That is who we are, and tonight, the men and women of law enforcement made us all proud.”
Ian Haworth is an Editor and Writer for The Daily Wire. Follow him on Twitter at<a href="https://twitter.com/ighaworth"> @ighaworth</a>.

<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Texas Rabbi Says He Threw Chair At Gunman And Escaped With Two Other Hostages

CONTINUE READING

Radical DA ‘Has Turned The Streets Of Los Angeles Into A Living Nightmare’: Campaign To Recall Gascón Raises More Than $6 Million

New York Times Changes Wordle Answer After Abortion News, Sparks User Confusion

Moscow Murders: The Danger Of Standing Up To The Russian Regime

What Does Elon Musk Buying Twitter Really Mean?

‘Blatant Attempt To Misinform’: Rand Paul Fires Back At Critics After Tense Exchange With Antony Blinken

Apple CEO Tim Cook Slammed For Human Rights Hypocrisy Over China Censorship

News and Commentary

Synagogue

Terrorism

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— News and Commentary —

Texas Rabbi Says He Threw Chair At Gunman And Escaped With Two Other Hostages