January 20, 2022
THE WEEK’S BIG 3
The Jewish community is once again on high alert and calling for action after a gunman stormed a synagogue during Shabbat services in Colleyville, Texas, holding four hostages for over 11 hours before the rabbi and congregants were able to escape. Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right militia group the Oath Keepers, and 10 other individuals were charged with "seditious conspiracy and other charges for crimes" related to the breach of the Capitol on Jan. 6. The Supreme Court heard arguments this week in a case that asks whether a Christian group’s flag can fly over Boston’s city hall.
Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.
- After Colleyville Hostage Crisis, ADL and Jewish Community Call for Increased Funding for Synagogue Security
“No hostages were killed and the suspect is dead, according to authorities. But after other high-profile attacks on other synagogues, the incident Saturday serves as the latest reminder for Jewish congregations and organizations to be vigilant, step up security measures and have hard conversations about how to stay safe.” CNN: LEARN MORE
+ READ: After Colleyville, Senate needs to confirm Deborah Lipstadt as antisemitism envoy — Now – Jonathan Greenblatt op-ed in The Hill
+ WATCH: Jonathan Greenblatt Discusses Security for Houses of Worship following Colleyville Hostage Crisis – CNN’s At This Hour with Kate Bolduan
+ ADL Resource: Six Facts About Threats to The Jewish Community
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Oath Keepers Leader, 10 Others, Charged with Seditious Conspiracy for Role in Capitol Insurrection
“The Department of Justice accuses Stewart Rhodes of working with other Oath Keepers - a loosely-knit militia that believes the US government has been corrupted by elites - to transport weapons and ammunition to Washington DC in their effort to block Mr Biden's presidency. The sedition charge is defined as attempting ‘to overthrow, put down or to destroy by force the government of the United States.’” BBC News: FULL STORY
+ WATCH: Jonathan Greenblatt discusses the significance of these charges with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell
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Supreme Court to Review Boston's Refusal to Fly a Christian Flag at City Hall
“The case invites the court to decide whether the flagpole conveys a government message or whether it's a forum open to all comers. Boston says the flagpole is an expression of the city's views, and therefore letting the Christian flag fly would amount to an unconstitutional government endorsement of religion.” NBC News: READ MORE
+ READ: ADL Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court in Shurtleff v. City of Boston
KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS
- We’re proud that Cheryl Drazin, VP at our Central Division, is a member of the ADL family. She showed no hesitation during #Colleyville, immediately organized the community, coordinating our on the ground response & supporting the community in real time…
- Rev. Nelson must retract the outrageous statement charging Israel with "enslavement" & holding US Jews responsible for alleged Israeli crimes. This antisemitism endangers the Jewish people at a time when they're feeling vulnerable after #Colleyville attack…
- The event in #Colleyville is not an isolated incident. Throughout history, #antisemitic tropes have permeated through every part of the political spectrum. This hostage crisis is another example of anti-Jewish sentiment putting Jewish people in danger…
IN THE COMMUNITY
- The growing crisis of antisemitism in America (Chicago Sun-Times – David Goldenberg and Trent Spoolstra op-ed)
- Polis, faith leaders, address rising antisemitism after TX standoff (FOX Denver – Scott Levin interviewed)
- Suspect In Texas Hostage Situation Called New York City Rabbi Twice During Standoff (CBS New York – Scott Richman interviewed)
ADL IN THE NEWS
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Rabbi Credits Security Training for Helping Him and Congregants Escape (MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show – George Selim interviewed)
- How Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker's training helped fellow hostages survive the Texas synagogue attack (CNN)
- Jewish leaders renew antisemitism fight after hostage case (Associated Press)
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