JCRC Statement
January 16, 2022
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council are immensely grateful and relieved that the hostages held in Congregation Beth Israel are now free. We commend the bravery of the FBI, state, and local law enforcement who ensured this situation resolved safely.
Our hearts and thoughts remain with the Colleyville Jewish community. We pray for the complete healing of all those involved in this deeply traumatic event.
Federation and the JCRC remain committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred everywhere in America.
We are dedicated to strengthening security in our Jewish community. Through our close partnerships with JCRC and Secure Community Network (SCN), we continue to help our community access increased government security funding for our local Jewish organizations and synagogues. We provide services to community institutions to enhance their safety, security, and emergency preparedness posture. And, as yesterday’s events highlighted, we coordinate closely with local law enforcement to ensure that our community members and institutions remain safe and secure.
Thank you for supporting our sisters, brothers, and friends in Texas throughout this painful ordeal. As our tradition teaches, all of Israel is responsible for one another, and our Greater Washington Jewish community exemplifies this every day.
May the rest of 2022 bring peace to us all.