Once again the Jewish community has been targeted by unthinkable terrorism. The events at Temple Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas is just another reminder of the hate in the world and ever-increasing anti-Semitism. The timing at a Shabbat service is all the more painful.
These events, however, are falling on deaf ears. We can pray that it will never happen again, knowing full well that it will. We can denounce anti-Semitism loudly, knowing full well that those who are inclined to hate will never change. We can rail against terrorism, knowing full well that this is futile.
Nothing good came out of this tragedy. Obviously, we are thankful and relieved that the hostages were not harmed and that they are all now back with their relieved families. Hopefully, they will recover emotionally as soon as possible. Their psychological trauma is unimaginable. We all pray that they all will find the inner strength to move on in their lives stronger and with a renewed sense of life.
We once again cannot say enough for the men and women of law enforcement who put their own lives at risk and showed incredible professionalism. We can only say thank you.
We only wish that there was something we could do to put an end to this hatred against the Jewish people … Tree of Life, Poway and now Beth Israel. Sadly, these are now congregations that will stay in our hearts for exactly the wrong reasons.