‘I am grateful to be alive,’ Colleyville rabbi says following 11-hour hostage crisis

Charlie Cytron-Walker, the rabbi of Beth Israel who was one of four people held hostage for more than 10 hours in their Colleyville synagogue, expressed gratitude in a Facebook post early Sunday morning that he and members of his congregation made it out of the situation safely.

He wrote:

“I am thankful and filled with appreciation for

“All of the vigils and prayers and love and support,

“All of the law enforcement and first responders who cared for us,

“All of the security training that helped save us.

“I am grateful for my family.

“I am grateful for the CBI Community, the Jewish Community, the Human Community.

“I am grateful that we made it out.

“I am grateful to be alive.”

The four hostages were freed Saturday night after being held at the synagogue. The hostage situation has made international headlines, and Cytron-Walker’s status in the community, as well as his collected approach during the situation, have garnered support for the rabbi.

As of Saturday morning, Cytron-Walker’s post had more than 1,000 shares and nearly 400 comments.

This story was originally published January 16, 2022 at 10:12 AM.

David Silva Ramirez

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

David Silva Ramirez was a racial equity reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram until 2023. He was raised in Dallas-Fort Worth.