#rabbi charlie cytron-walker

[eretzyisrael]

Akram’s first demand was to speak to Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the leader of Central Synagogue in New York City, who he believed could free Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned on terrorism charges at a facility near Beth Israel.

“This was somebody who literally thought that Jews control the world,” Cytron-Walker said. “He thought he could come into a synagogue, and we could get on the phone with the ‘Chief Rabbi of America’ and he would get what he needed.”

Buchdahl ultimately spoke with Akram twice, but she declined to detail those conversations, citing security concerns.

Cytron-Walker said that most of the nearly 11 hours that he was held hostage consisted of sitting around, speaking with the FBI’s hostage negotiator, and making conversation with Akram.

“We listened to him, we answered his questions, we shared a little about ourselves,” Cytron-Walker said, “and every moment was terrifying.”

Details emerge about hostage-taker as Jews upset by FBI remark on his motive

Cytron-Walker credited the rapport they developed with Akram with his decision to release the fourth hostage in the afternoon. But as the afternoon turned to night, the prospects for a peaceful resolution began to dim. He had been taught in FBI and Anti-Defamation League security workshops that bold action was sometimes necessary — in this case, seizing on a moment when Akram appeared distracted and the trio were near an exit to throw a chair at him and run.

“Having that information really provided me with the courage to do what I need to do,” Cytron-Walker said. “It allowed me the willingness to try something that was incredibly, incredibly risky.”

[voidingintotheshout]

https://amp.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article257360862.html

Everything you need to know about the hostage attack on congregation Beth Israel in Colleyvlle, Texas. Fair warning: it is an extremely long and detailed read. Worth it. I am so sad that the rabbi and his congregation had to go through this. I don’t really know how to talk about the situation but from what I have heard, this rabbi is an awesome person and a strong ally to anyone who needs him and so I want to say that I stand with this rabbi and this congregation and anyone who would hurt the Jewish people is not a friend of mine.