Texas synagogues fortify in the wake of Colleyville hostage incident

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Jeff Cohen was capable of hold a “complete sense of composure” throughout the 11-hour standoff he discovered himself in whereas attending companies at his North Texas synagogue on Jan. 15. Taken hostage with three others, together with a rabbi, Cohen knew he needed to method the scenario like a chess recreation in the event that they have been all going to flee safely.

Pulling from the active-threat coaching he acquired at his synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, solely half a yr earlier than, Cohen obtained the different hostages to slowly transfer towards the exit, setting them up for his or her eventual escape to security.

This incident got here after a record-breaking yr of recorded antisemitic acts nationwide in 2021. And whereas Jewish individuals make up simply 2% of the U.S. inhabitants, they’re the goal for greater than 60% of religious-based hate crimes.

For North Texas synagogues, the Colleyville hostage scenario was a harsh reminder of this state of affairs. In addition to reevaluating their existing security infrastructures, congregations are taking part in safety trainings masking every part from active-threat coaching and situational consciousness to emergency first support. Yet it is a recurring problem, and a few marvel: Will it ever be sufficient?

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