MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Over the weekend, a rabbi prepared for the Jewish community’s first Shabbat service since the recent hostage standoff at a Texas synagogue. 

 

What You Need to Know 

A Morrisville rabbi says the best response to synagogue hostage crisis is resilience 

Two Saturdays ago, an armed man took four people hostage during a 10-hour standoff at a Texas synagogue 

Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar wouldn't go into detail about security protocol at his synagogue, but he says local law enforcement is always present 

 

He says the best thing his community can do right now is show resilience.

Every Shabbat, Chabad of Cary Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar, checks in with friends, colleagues and family.

“I give a number of phone calls to people, often those I have not seen in a long time," Cotlar said. “To check up on them, give an inspiring idea, to hear how things are going."

It's especially important to have those conversations today.

“Hatred, unfortunately, that evil is there against all types of Jews," Cotlar said.

Two Saturdays ago, an armed man took four people hostage during a 10-hour standoff at a Texas synagogue.

The rabbi there says security training over the years led to an escape, and two of the hostages escaped after he threw a chair at the hostage taker.

Cotlar wouldn't go into detail about security protocol at his synagogue, but he says local law enforcement is always present.

“Having a police presence at synagogue, as well as a religious school, is a given in today's reality," Cotlar said.

But he says it shouldn't be this way.

“It's unfortunate that we live in a world today where someone walks in a synagogue, the door has to be closed, has to be a security officer outside when we come in. That's not the way we want it to be," Cotlar said.

On this first Shabbat service since the Texas hostage situation, Cotlar is preparing for a loud and energetic crowd.

“The best response we can have to individuals that want us to cower and hide is to show up and be proud Jews and ultimately the Jewish people are incredibly resilient people. We've been through so much, we know it's going to be alright, we know it's going to be OK," said Cotlar.