Video footage of antisemitic hostage siege at Texas synagogue unveiled in new documentary.

In January 2022, on a cold Saturday morning, Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, was a peaceful haven in a small community. As Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker readied to lead a virtual service, a man, later identified as Malik Faisal Akram, entered the synagogue. His arrival would forever alter the day's events.

"Colleyville," directed by Dani Menkin, presents previously unseen footage from the synagogue's security cameras during the 11-hour hostage crisis. The documentary offers a humanizing look at the bravery of the hostages and the community's resilience in the face of danger.

On this day, Akram was welcomed into Cytron-Walker's home with tea and warmth, as the rabbi offered kindness as usual.

At 10:40 a.m., the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Akram pulled out a gun and turned the four people present into hostages. "I’ve got semi-automatic guns. I’ve got two bombs, 80% of Jewish people are going to die if you don’t comply," he shouted.

For the first time, the security footage in "Colleyville" has been made public, capturing every tense moment. Akram's demands centered on the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, also known as "Lady al-Qaeda," who is being held in a nearby Fort Worth prison. He believed that his actions could bring about global intervention, fueled by antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish control of the world.

Menkin stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that he believed that either President Trump or President Biden would intervene, despite his antisemitic belief that Jews control the world and could influence such a decision.

The film showcases Akram's escalating unpredictable behavior and alarming speech, such as his statement: "I cherish death more than you Jews cherish life." Cytron-Walker stated after reflection that Akram believed all the falsehoods about Jewish people - they control the banks, the media, and the world. This combination of extremism and antisemitism made it extremely dangerous.

Although fearful, the hostages found moments of solidarity and seized opportunities to act. At one point, Akram permitted elderly congregant Larry Schwartz to use the restroom, cautioning him not to attempt an escape. Shane Woodward, who was in the process of converting to Judaism, pretended to be ill and convinced Akram to let him leave. Before exiting, Shane negotiated to switch places with Larry, ensuring the older man's safety.

As the hours passed, the tension intensified. Akram fired a shot into the ceiling, an alarming act caught on camera. Cytron-Walker, trained in active shooter scenarios, waited for the perfect opportunity. That opportunity came when Akram held a cup of liquid in his dominant hand, momentarily halting his ability to pull the trigger.

"Cytron-Walker told Planet Chronicle Digital that he saw how Akram held the cup and knew it was their best chance. In a decisive move, he threw a chair at Akram, creating a window for escape. "We weren’t far from the exit. It was a split-second decision, but it was the culmination of hours of watching, waiting, and thinking.""

The hostages escaped from the synagogue, with Cytron-Walker leading the way. Law enforcement arrived shortly after, ending the standoff. Although none of the hostages were physically injured, the psychological impact of the ordeal remained. "It was a difficult day, but we had so much to be thankful for," he said.

"Colleyville" is a drama that combines the intensity of security footage with poignant storytelling, giving viewers an unflinching look at the rise of antisemitism and the strength of those who face it. According to Menkin, the footage was something that hadn't been seen before. "It's incredibly rare to see a drama like this unfold in such a cinematic way," he said. "The raw emotions, the tension – it's a terrifying reminder of the danger of hateful ideologies."

Cytron-Walker, a longtime advocate for interfaith engagement, highlighted the importance of balancing Jewish values with security. "Loving the stranger is more challenging than loving your neighbor," he stated. "However, we must also protect ourselves." Following the crisis, his synagogue has substantially boosted its security budget.

As antisemitism is on the rise globally, Cyrton-Walker stated, "We are witnessing more of this kind of hatred." He emphasized, "It is now even more crucial to show love to strangers while maintaining security."