January 16, 2022
The Central Conference of American Rabbis is grateful for the safe release of our colleague, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, and three congregants who had been taken hostage during Shabbat morning services at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. Throughout Shabbat and into Saturday night, Reform rabbis, the communities we serve, and our partners and friends watched in horror and gathered in prayer. We are grateful that our prayers have been answered.
The CCAR expresses thanks to the FBI and all law enforcement officials who worked diligently and successfully to secure the release of Rabbi Cytron-Walker and his congregants. Reform rabbis value our partnership with the Union for Reform Judaism, ADL, Secure Communities Network, and all in our North American Jewish community who joined together in response on Shabbat afternoon and Saturday night. We are grateful, too, to good people of all faiths—across Texas, throughout North America, and around the world—who joined us in prayer for the wellbeing of our dear colleague and his community.
The CCAR pledges its ongoing support to Rabbi Cytron-Walker, to his wife and children, as well as their families, and to their congregational community as they seek healing in the aftermath of this most frightful of days.
“Give thanks to Adonai, for God is Good. God’s loving kindness is everlasting” (Psalms 107:1).
Rabbi Lewis Kamrass
President
Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis