The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced on July 25 that former Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker will be joining the organization as their Special Advisor on Security.
Cytron-Walker was one of four hostages trapped inside the Colleyville, TX synagogue on January 15 for around 11 hours. They were held hostage by a gunman, 44-year-old Malik Failsal Akram, a British national. Cytron-Walker threw a chair at Akram while he was distracted, providing him and the other three hostages the window of opportunity to escape. Akram was later shot and killed by law enforcement. Cytron-Walker now serves as the rabbi for Temple Emanuel in North Carolina.
“We could not be more excited to welcome Rabbi Charlie to ADL where he will provide strategic counsel in helping our communities and leaders protect themselves against violent antisemitism,” ADL CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. “At a time when antisemitism and hate crimes are at an all-time high, Rabbi Charlie has experienced firsthand the need for increased vigilance, resources, and programs to counter all kinds of hate and bigotry. We eagerly look forward to learning from the Rabbi’s leadership and expertise.”
Cytron-Walker also issued a statement crediting the ADL’s training for saving his life during the hostage crisis. “This role allows me to help others—clergy, congregational leaders, members of the media—better understand both the challenges we face and opportunities we have by balancing security and hospitality.”
