In January 2022, we watched in horror as a gunman with antisemitic ideologies entered a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas and held Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and his congregants hostage during an eleven hour standoff.  The documentary film “Colleyville,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Dani Menkin, tells the story of that ordeal.

On Wednesday evening, April 23, as our community commemoration of Yom HaShoah, we will host Dani Menkin for a showing of this film and a discussion following the screening.  As we have committed after the Holocaust to stand up to antisemitism and extremism in all forms, to ensure that such tragedies never happen again, we must recognize and address contemporary acts of hate.  Doors will open at 6:45 PM; our program will begin promptly at 7 PM.

Following the program, the community is invited to the “Through Their Eyes” exhibit, curated by the Holocaust Education Committee, showcasing student artwork and reflections on the lessons of the Shoah.  Light refreshments from Michaels’ Catering will be available.

This program is generously supported by the Jack and Sadye Marco Holocaust Fund of the Champaign Urbana Jewish Endowment Foundation.