[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H1352-H1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONDEMNING THE HEINOUS TERRORIST ATTACK ON CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL IN
COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 881) condemning the
heinous terrorist attack on Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville,
Texas, on January 15, 2022, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 881
Whereas, on January 15, 2022, Malik Faisal Akram entered
Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, taking four
individuals hostage;
Whereas MI5, Britain's counterintelligence and security
agency investigated Mr. Akram in 2020, and he was listed as a
subject of interest, but was later determined to no longer
pose a threat;
Whereas Mr. Akram arrived at New York's John F. Kennedy
Airport on December 29, 2021, staying in New York City for
two days until taking a flight to Dallas, Texas;
Whereas it is reported Mr. Akram chose the synagogue
because it appeared to be the closest gathering of Jewish
people to a Federal prison where he demanded to see a woman
who is in custody after being found guilty of two counts of
attempted murder, armed assault, using and carrying a
firearm, and three counts of assault on United States
officers and employees in Afghanistan;
Whereas according to the Anti-Defamation League, in 2020
and 2021, there were 8,366 incidents of extremism or
antisemitism in the United States;
Whereas more than half of the religiously motivated hate
crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in
2020 were anti-Jewish hate crimes;
Whereas Jewish Americans make up about 2 percent of the
population of the United States, but crimes against them make
up 55 percent of the anti-religious hate crimes in the United
States;
Whereas, on Sunday, January 16, 2022, President Joe Biden
classified this attack as an act of terror and Vice President
Kamala Harris affirmed we should combat antisemitism and hate
wherever it exists;
Whereas the four hostages were held for nearly 11 hours,
during that time Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker used the skills
he learned by attending several security courses hosted by
local law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
the Anti-Defamation League, and the Secure Community Network;
Whereas Good Shepherd Catholic Community church provided
support and housed family members of the worshipers held
inside the Synagogue during the 11 hour standoff;
Whereas Pleasant Run Baptist Church offered their thoughts
and support during the standoff, and allowed for their
parking lot to be used by the media;
Whereas worshipers who were watching service virtually
contacted local law enforcement once they realized there was
an incident underway at Congregation Beth Israel; and
Whereas because of the swift response from local, State,
and Federal law enforcement officers and emergency responders
on the ground, no hostages were harmed during the hostage
situation: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) stands with the community of Colleyville, Texas, the
hostages, and all those affected by the terrorist attack on
Congregation Beth Israel on January 15, 2022;
(2) commends the Federal, State, and local law enforcement
officers and emergency responders who responded to
Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas;
(3) condemns this heinous terrorist attack; and
(4) reaffirms our commitment to combat hate, bigotry,
antisemitism, and violence against Jewish Americans.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Fallon) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
General Leave
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous
consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise
and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this
measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 881, and I condemn in
the strongest terms the hateful attack on Congregation Beth Israel of
Colleyville, Texas, on January 15 of this year.
Anti-Semitism is a dangerous and growing crisis both in the United
States and around the world. According to the Anti-Defamation League,
in 2020 and 2021 alone, there were 8,366 incidents of extremism or
anti-Semitism just here in the United States.
According to the FBI, in 2020, more than half of the religiously
motivated hate crimes reported targeted Jewish people, even though
Jewish Americans make up only 2 percent of the population of the United
States of America. This is a staggering level of anti-Semitism.
Tragically, on January 15, 2022, violent anti-Semitism became all too
real for the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. Four
individuals were taken hostage simply for being Jewish.
Although all hostages were eventually rescued safely, this attack
never
[[Page H1353]]
should have happened in the first place. After the defeat of Nazi
Germany in 1945, the revelations of the barbarity, and the scope of the
Holocaust, the world vowed never again. Yet, the hate and bigotry that
drove the Nazis to commit genocide is still alive and well. This is
something we simply cannot allow to continue.
I have made fighting hatred and anti-Semitism--a personal mission. In
2020, we passed my bill, the Never Again Holocaust Education Act, to
support Holocaust education in all schools across this country so that
the next generation will learn the horrific consequences of anti-
Semitism, bigotry, and hate.
{time} 1300
Freedom of religion is one of the most basic rights afforded to every
American in the First Amendment of our Constitution. No one should face
discrimination or violence because of their religious beliefs.
We must send a clear and unequivocal message that anti-Semitism has
absolutely no place here in the United States.
I thank my colleague, Representative Van Duyne, for introducing this
important resolution. Let it be a reminder that the rallying cry of
``never again'' must be more than mere words. It is our duty to come
together to denounce anti-Semitism and hate, and this resolution does
just that.
I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote
``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this January 15, 2022, tragedy struck a community in my
home State of Texas. A terrorist held four people hostage at a Jewish
synagogue for 11 hours. We are immensely grateful that each hostage
ultimately escaped unharmed, though the psychological scars are real
for the victims and lasting for the community.
This act of terrorism has no place in our society.
Today, my colleagues, in the strongest terms and means possible,
firmly and fiercely condemn the terrorist's acts and condemn those who
target any Americans, and in this instance our Jewish brothers and
sisters.
Early in the morning on Saturday, January 15, 2022, the Congregation
Beth Israel near Fort Worth, Texas, was targeted.
At this synagogue, worshipers welcomed the attacker inside. The rabbi
even made him tea. The worshipers faced Jerusalem and began to pray.
The attacker then pulled out his weapon, and an 11-hour standoff
ensued.
That Saturday, America held its breath. We prayed for the safe return
of loved ones and family members.
No one in America should ever face this kind of fear and terror and
evil.
The worshipers at Congregation Beth Israel showed remarkable courage
when faced with evil in their own house of worship.
And all Americans rose to the occasion when our sisters and brothers
faced this kind of adversity. The four hostages, including the rabbi,
battled their attacker. Later, the hostages were able to escape, and
the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team secured the synagogue.
Americans, as one, rushed in to support Congregation Beth Israel.
Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Americans of all faiths and others
prayed for the Texas community and for those victims this past January.
Our hearts go out to the families of this congregation that they had
to endure such an unjust evil that this terrorist caused. Thank God
they escaped.
Today, we support the community of Colleyville, Texas. Today, we
support Congregation Beth Israel. And today, we support the brave
survivors of this heinous attack.
We applaud the bravery of Congregation Beth Israel, the survivors,
and our heroes in blue, Texas law enforcement.
As patriotic freedom-loving Americans, we condemn the evil and the
darkness of anti-Semitism. And we will fight hate and bigotry and anti-
Semitism.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes
to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), chair of the
Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs
and Related Agencies.
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding and for bringing this resolution to the floor.
I rise today in support of this bipartisan resolution condemning the
horrific domestic terrorist attack in Colleyville, Texas.
Saturday, January 15, 2022, was supposed to be a day of rest and
prayer for Jews across the world. Instead, it was a day of hate, fear,
and violence.
Four people walked into Congregation Beth Israel as worshipers, but
they walked out as survivors. Their Jewish identity alone put them at
risk of inherent danger. They were ordinary citizens distinguished only
by their faith.
In 2022, this may seem unfathomable. Tragically, it is not.
It is clear that the terrorist responsible subscribed to anti-Semitic
conspiracy theories and dangerous tropes.
Due to the valiant efforts and skills of first responders and the
bravery of these hostages, these worshipers made it out safely.
While no one was physically hurt, the trauma leaves scars far deeper
than any headline could convey. Those wounds and trauma are felt not
only in Texas, but they reverberate all over this country in Jewish
communities and Jewish sanctuaries all over the United States and the
world.
Generations of Jews have faced and continue to face bigotry, hate,
and violence every day. Jews are attacked on public streets, assaulted,
and our synagogues are vandalized.
Anti-Semitic literature has been distributed in neighborhoods in many
parts of this country, including my community in South Florida.
Anti-Semitism is rising at an alarming rate, and an astounding amount
of it has become mainstream.
One in four American Jews has been the target of anti-Semitism over
the past year. Four in 10 have changed their behavior out of fear of
anti-Semitism. That includes people being afraid to wear a Star of
David in public and men afraid to wear a kippah who would wear one
normally in their everyday life.
On a personal note, as the first Jewish woman elected to Congress
from Florida, my family and I know what it feels like to be the target
of anti-Semitic hate.
To combat this scourge in our communities, leaders throughout our
country must clearly, firmly, and forcefully denounce the alarming rise
in rampant hate, violence, and harassment targeting Jewish Americans.
Today's resolution is an important condemnation of one act, but we
must go further. It is time for this body to vote on a resolution that
unambiguously and singularly denounces anti-Semitism.
It should not take a domestic terrorist attack for this body to do
that.
We need an unequivocal, bipartisan condemnation of anti-Semitism.
Enough is enough.
We must denounce the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in the United
States and globally and issue a call for real action to combat it.
Hatred and bigotry against one community are often only a symptom of
a deeper problem affecting all ethnic, racial, and religious
minorities. This resolution condemns a terrible incident, but we must
condemn the underlying root cause of anti-Semitism.
I thank Congresswoman Van Duyne, my good friend, for bringing today's
resolution to the floor.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield the
gentlewoman from Florida an additional 1 minute.
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, we must increase the Nonprofit
Security Grant program so it can continue its essential work of
protecting Jewish and other faith-based institutions across the
country.
We must confirm Dr. Deborah Lipstadt as the State Department's
Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to advance our
efforts to combat discrimination against Jewish people worldwide.
We must denounce the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in the United
States and globally and issue a call for real, concrete action.
Resolutions are nice. Sentiment is helpful. But actions speak louder
than
[[Page H1354]]
words, and we need to come together as a Congress to make sure that
worldwide it is known that the United States of America resolutely
stands against anti-Semitism, not only for one instance but in all
instances.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Van Duyne).
Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution
condemning the anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Colleyville earlier
this year. And I thank my colleagues from Florida and New York for
their kind words today.
On January 15, we witnessed a heinous attack, not only on our
community in north Texas, but on the entire Jewish community when a
terrorist entered the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue and took four
worshipers hostage.
It was disturbing to see such hate enter our peaceful community in
Colleyville and threaten the lives of the worshipers who had welcomed
this man with open arms. Many questions remain on how or why this act
of evil occurred, but let's appreciate our law enforcement for
ultimately protecting the lives of those in harm's way. Also, I thank
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker for his courageous actions that led to the
safe escape of his fellow hostages in the Congregation Beth Israel
synagogue that day.
I am grateful so many of my colleagues joined in support of this
resolution condemning the terrorist attack and reaffirming our
commitment to combat hate, bigotry, anti-Semitism, and violence against
Jewish Americans. Specifically, I thank Representative Marc Veasey for
his kindness and work in securing many bipartisan supporters.
H. Res. 881 clearly establishes our unequivocal support for the
Colleyville community, the hostages, and all those affected by the
terrorist act. It also commends the Federal, State, and local law
enforcement and emergency responders who all pulled together for our
community that day.
This resolution will not only condemn this act of hate but bring
light to the anti-Semitism plaguing our country. As you have heard from
comments from my colleagues from New York and from Florida, Jewish
Americans make up a disproportionate percentage of the antireligious
crimes in America, and that must end. No American of any religion
should experience fear in a house of worship.
Thank you to all who joined me in this effort and made this the most
supported piece of legislation in the 117th Congress. We look forward
to seeing this pass on the House floor today, putting aside our
differences and uniting in the face of hatred.
Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I am closing with a simple statement.
We must end terrorism and anti-Semitism here in the United States.
The violence suffered in Colleyville could have happened anywhere in
America.
Let's take a minute to review some Jewish history. It literally began
in that fateful year of 1492 when Europeans arrived in the New World,
and a number of Jews fought alongside George Washington in the American
Revolution.
And the first Jewish man to give his life for this country was also
ironically the first Jew to be elected to public office in the
Colonies: Francis Salvador.
By 1840, the Jewish-American community was tiny, only 15,000 out of
17 million, but it was strong and it was stable and it was prosperous.
And within a decade it had tripled. At the time of the Civil War, there
were only 150,000 Jews in America, but nearly 10 percent fought in the
Civil War.
During the 19th century, the repression and the old world of Jews in
Europe just became too much for so many, and by 1924, two million
European Jews had immigrated to the United States.
Jewish Americans have woven a rich tapestry into the history of our
Nation.
Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine. How many lives did that one
man save?
Richard Feynman was an American physicist and was integral in
formulating quantum physics.
What is even more remarkable is the percentage of Jews that have won
Nobel Prizes. Twenty-two percent of all Nobel Prize winners had Jewish
heritage, and 36 percent of American winners had Jewish heritage. It is
remarkable.
It is refreshing to be on the floor and have both sides agree, and
there is power in that, and there is strength in that, and I urge this
Congress and all Americans to join me in condemning these violent acts
and the evil of anti-Semitism. We are a beautiful and wonderful
country, and we have to act like it.
My heart goes out to the hostages and their families for undergoing
this terrorist attack in the beautiful and wonderful community of
Colleyville, Texas, who are fortunate enough to be represented by such
a wonderful Member of Congress in Beth Van Duyne. Our prayers are with
the victims and their families.
Mr. Speaker, it is great to be here on the floor with you today, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
{time} 1315
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I call upon all of
my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important
resolution, H. Res. 881, and to join me in condemning, in the strongest
terms, the heinous attack on Congregation Beth Israel of Colleyville,
Texas, on January 15 of this year.
Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism is a growing crisis, both in the United
States and across the world, and we need to stand up together to
denounce anti-Semitism and hate. This resolution does just that.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of
House Resolution 881, which condemns the recent terrorist attack on
Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.
And I want to thank my colleague from North Texas, Congresswoman Van
Duyne, for introducing this legislation.
Just two months ago, an armed and dangerous terrorist entered the
Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue and took Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker
and three other members hostage. An eleven-hour standoff ensued, but
thanks to the leadership of Rabbi Cytron-Walker and the bravery of law
enforcement on the ground, everyone was able to escape without physical
harm.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, tragedies like this are becoming all too
common. Jewish Americans make up about 2 percent of our country's
population, but hate crimes against them make up 55 percent of anti-
religious hate crimes.
Congress must do more, and we must do it urgently. That's why I was
proud to sign on to a letter to the House Appropriations Committee that
supports funding for FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This
program provides critical assistance to communities of faith in order
to secure and shield their places of worship from attacks.
But beyond any legislative action, we must also come together to
condemn the hateful and divisive rhetoric that inspires these types of
attacks. We all deserve the right to worship freely and safely, without
fear of violence or retribution.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and, in
doing so, reaffirm our deep and unwavering support for the Jewish
community.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees on
the Judiciary and Homeland Security, the Tom Lantos Human Rights
Commission, the bipartisan Congressional International Religious
Freedom Caucus, and the Helsinki Commission, I rise in strong support
of H. Res. 881, a resolution that puts the House on record in
condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack on Congregation Beth
Israel in Colleyville, Texas on January 15, 2022 and against anti-
Semitism wherever this hate rears its ugly head.
On January 15, 2022, Malik Faisal Akram entered Congregation Beth
Israel in Colleyville, Texas, taking four individuals hostage.
Britain's counterintelligence and security agency, MI5, investigated
Mr. Akram in 2020, and he was listed as a subject of interest, but was
later determined to no longer pose a threat.
Mr. Akram arrived at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on December
29, 2021, staying in New York City for two days until taking a flight
to Dallas, Texas.
Whereas it is reported Mr. Akram chose the synagogue because it
appeared to be the closest gathering of Jewish people to a Federal
prison where he demanded to see a woman who is in custody after being
found guilty of two counts of attempted murder,
[[Page H1355]]
armed assault, using and carrying a firearm, and three counts of
assault on United States officers and employees in Afghanistan.
The four hostages were held for nearly 11 hours, during that time
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker used the skills he learned by attending
several security courses hosted by local law enforcement, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Secure
Community Network.
Worshipers who were watching the service virtually contacted local
law enforcement once they realized there was an incident underway at
Congregation Beth Israel.
Thankfully, because of the swift response from local, State, and
Federal law enforcement officers and emergency responders on the
ground, no hostages were harmed during the hostage situation.
Mr. Speaker, nearly thirty years ago, as a young mother, I first
visited Israel and the Holy Land, and I have returned many times since
then to the region that gave birth to three of the world's great
religions, civilizations, and cultures.
I have been a passionate supporter of the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim
Internship program, which for nearly thirty years has enabled inner-
city high school students who live or study in the 18th Congressional
District the opportunity to spend a summer in Israel.
As a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe,
better known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I have traveled abroad on
numerous occasions to participate in parliamentary diplomacy in support
of OSCE and other European efforts to combat anti-Semitism, including
legislation calling for increased security for the Jewish community,
funds for civil society coalitions to combat hate, and a U.S.-EU Joint
Action Plan to combat prejudice and discrimination that would include a
specific focus on anti-Semitism.
Mr. Speaker, nearly 74 years have passed since the end of World War
II but for those who survived, and the descendants and relatives of
those who perished, the Holocaust is not ancient history but a reminder
of the evil that can be unleased when humans give into their worst
instincts and appetites.
The Holocaust is the worst example of man's inhumanity to man in I
human history and the magnitude of its destruction numbered more than
12 million deaths, including 6 million Jews and 1.5 million children.
A haunting quote in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
refers to the story of Cain and Abel:
The Lord said, ``What have you done? Listen! Your brother's
blood cries out to me from the ground (Genesis 4:11).
The Holocaust is a testament to the fragility of democracy, and it
forces us to confront uncomfortable questions such as the
responsibilities of citizenship and the consequences of indifference
and inaction, and the importance of education and awareness.
That is why we, all of us, must reject and resist prejudice and
intolerance in any form.
Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism is the name for the bigotry and form of
racism endured for centuries by Jewish people for no other reason that
simply because they are Jews.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, in 2020 and 2021 there were
a combined 8,366 acts of extremism or hate crimes against Jews or
Jewish institutions, constituting 55.1 percent of all religious-based
hate crimes.
There is an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish
communities, including synagogues, schools, cemeteries, and other
institutions.
Outside of the United States, Jews are the targets of anti-Semitic
violence at even higher rates in many other countries.
Anti-Semitism includes scapegoating or blaming Jews as Jews when
things go wrong; calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or
harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or extremist view of
religion; or making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or
stereotyped allegations about Jews.
Mr. Speaker, we need to denounce and reject forcefully and
continuously the scapegoating and targeting of Jews in the United
States that has persisted for many years, including by the Ku Klux
Klan, the America First Committee, and by modern neo-Nazis, whose
membership decidedly is not comprised of ``very fine people.''
Let us be very clear: these purveyors of hate will not win because as
the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., taught; persecution of any
American is an assault on the rights and freedoms of all Americans.
Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism is wrong and based on a lie--as are
racism, Islamophobia, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia--but remember
the words of William Cullen Bryant, who said:
Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again;
The eternal years of God are hers;
But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,
And dies among his worshippers.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for H. Res. 881 and
I encourage every person in the United States to confront and reject
anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry and do all they can to ensure
that the United States lives up to the transcendent principles of
tolerance, religious freedom, and equal protection as embodied in the
Declaration of Independence and the first and 14th amendments to the
Constitution that have made it the envy and the hope of the world.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 881, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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