Dear John,

In January 2022, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker was leading morning service at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. In Rabbi Charlie’s words:

It wasn’t until I heard the click of a gun that I suspected anything...

The terrorist who took me and three congregants hostage believed... Jews controlled everything: the government, the media, the financial sector.

He wanted a convicted terrorist released and he thought Jews could make that happen. He told us repeatedly that he ‘loved death’ more than we ‘loved life.’

Rabbi Charlie stayed calm and kept a conversation going, and then seized his moment to help all the hostages dash for freedom.

Footage of the crisis; from the COLLEYVILLE documentary

At Never Is Now we are pleased to be hosting an exclusive look at clips from the COLLEYVILLE documentary film with Rabbi Charlie, the film’s writer-director Dani Menkin and Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of New York’s Central Synagogue, who spoke to the gunman on the phone that day during the crisis. This film showcases footage from the attack in Colleyville and shares the first-hand experiences of those who lived through the events.

Never Is Now session’s attendees will also be witness to a discussion by the three panelists that gives an intimate understanding of what happened, how it felt to be present throughout the terrifying events that took place that day, how 10/7 and its aftermath impacted the film, and the healing that continues to this day. Please note: There may be images and scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers.

This is just one of over 25 dynamic panels featuring 100+ renowned experts exploring critical issues during this unprecedented moment with surging antisemitism.

It is more important than ever to come together and send the message that hate cannot win. Be in the room March 6-7 in New York City. Connect, engage and act against antisemitism and hate at Never Is Now 2024!

— The ADL Never Is Now team