Museum Statement on Texas Hostage Taking

WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is enormously relieved that the situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, has ended with all hostages safe. We commend the FBI, state and local law enforcement who worked together to resolve this crisis. Our thoughts are with the Colleyville Jewish community at this traumatic time. 

“The continued targeting of synagogues in the United States is cause for alarm. From Pittsburgh, to Poway, to now Colleyville, these attacks have one constant throughout: Jews were targeted simply for being Jewish,” said Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield. “History is a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked antisemitism. These events remind us that all segments of society must work to prevent it from flourishing. We hope that Holocaust education will inspire people to confront antisemitism and all forms of hate.” 

A federally chartered, nonpartisan educational institution, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum serves as America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and is dedicated to ensuring the permanence of Holocaust memory, understanding and relevance. Through the power of Holocaust history, the Museum challenges leaders and individuals to think critically about their role in society and to confront antisemitism and other forms of hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. For more information, visit ushmm.org.