Jewish leaders, backers defiant a week after hostage siege

By PETER SMITH
Associated Press

Rabbis, public officials and others made statements of defiance against antisemitism at Sabbath services a week after last weekend’s hostage siege at a Texas synagogue. At Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, the four survivors linked arms and sang a blessing on the Torah during Friday night’s service. Many Jewish leaders called for a strong turnout to worship at U.S. synagogues this week, saying the best response to antisemitism is for Jews to practice their faith boldly. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue in New York, whom the hostage-taker called during the siege, said “A terrorist tried to steal Shabbat from us last week. Claiming it this week is an act of resistance.”