Bennett speaks with Texas governor, rabbi in aftermath of hostage crisis

JNS

The Israeli premier thanked Texas Governor Greg Abbot for the "determined and professional" actions of Texas law enforcement, and commended Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel for his "admirable" leadership during the crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with Texas Governor Greg Abbot on Sunday to express his gratitude following the safe conclusion of the synagogue hostage crisis in Colleyville.

Bennett thanked Abbot for the “determined and professional action by the law enforcement authorities,” and also for his support for Israel and stance against anti-Semitism and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, according to a statement from Bennett’s office.

Texas law prohibits government agencies from doing business with companies that boycott Israel, and the state was also at the forefront in the fight against Ben & Jerry’s decision to stop selling its products in Judea and Samaria.

Bennett invited Abbot to visit Israel and the two men agreed to be in contact as necessary.

The Israeli premier also spoke with Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel, one of the hostages.

“I was praying here for your safety together with the rest of Israel and we are so relieved that you’re OK,” said Bennett.

The rabbi shared with Bennett his account of the harrowing incident, the courageous rescue by law enforcement teams and the resilience of the Jewish community, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Bennett commended Rabbi Cytron-Walker for his handling of the crisis, saying, “Your leadership in this time of crisis was admirable. Israel stands united with the Jewish community in Colleyville.”

Caption: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett leads a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Dec. 19, 2021.
Photo by Emil Salman/POOL.