January 15th was a beautiful day to worship God for the Jewish community of Colleyville, Texas. That is until a gunman entered the doors of Congregation Beth Israel the local synagogue. Where He purposely targeted the Jewish community.
For hours Terror reigned as the gunman proved to be an Islamic Terrorist targeting the Jewish community to gain the release of his sister, who was an Al Qaeda leader and spokesperson.
FBI identifies Texas synagogue terrorist as 44-year-old Malik Faisal Akram
Reportedly purchased a gun illegally for use in the attackhttps://t.co/XevAwPdb2l
— Truckistan Amb. Poso 🏁 (@JackPosobiec) January 16, 2022
Hope for a Targeted Community
It was not just the terrified souls within the synagogue whose lives were changed that day. The families of those taken hostage were left vulnerable and afraid until this church took a stand.
BREAKING: Two men have been arrested in Manchester as part of the investigation into the Texas synagogue attack pic.twitter.com/apecqNElfn
— GB News (@GBNEWS) January 26, 2022
The Good Shepherd Catholic Church got a call from the police that morning. The First responders were looking for a safe space, a haven, for the families and any hostages that they could get out of the building. Father Michael Higgins immediately sprang into action.
The Franciscan Friar explained to his congregation in his January 16th homily. “We got a call from the police that they were looking for a safe space for the wife and daughter of Rabbi Charlie and for the spouses of the hostages out over at the synagogue,” He continued, “We offered them a safe space.”
I wrote about the Texas synagogue attack and why so many people still don't understand antisemitism—and the consequences this ignorance has for our entire society: https://t.co/rx3CFDNmi9
— Yair Rosenberg (@Yair_Rosenberg) January 19, 2022
“I really want to mention this because I think it really is an indication of how well the message of how we should deal with those in need has really seeped through the community here,” Higgins said.
The families of the hostages had stayed within the safe walls of the church for over 12 hours. The church staff served them as best they could in their time of need.
I wrote a letter to @SecMayorkas and @FBI Director Wray asking why the Texas synagogue terrorist was allowed to enter the US? The Jewish community, and all Americans, deserve transparency and accountability into this preventable attack. https://t.co/rQgEO97WE3
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) January 21, 2022
They were not the only ones the church served that day. The Church opened its doors to the first responders, press, and religious leaders there to help. Although, the friar made clear that they kept the families and hostages safely away from the press and any who would disturb the safety of their peace in such a terrible moment of their lives.
Congressman Lee Zeldin reacts to the Left's "rush to judgment" on the terrorist attack at a Texas synagogue, "it's just really unfortunate when people like this in government are not shooting straight with facts." pic.twitter.com/jV35w378DL
— Newsmax (@newsmax) January 18, 2022
“What we were trying to do is give the families a safe space and we didn’t want the press to be notified that they were there,” Higgins said. “So we sort of blocked off the church hall and allowed the press to use the facilities in that area.”
