On a cold Saturday morning in January 2022, Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, was a quiet haven in a small community. As Rabbi Charlie Citron Walker prepared to lead a live-streamed mass, a man, later identified as Malik Faisal Akram, arrived at the synagogue. His presence will change the course of the day forever.
New documentary called “Colleville” The film, directed by award-winning director Danny Menken, reveals never-before-seen footage from the synagogue's 13 security cameras, documenting the horrific events. 11 hour hostage crisis In real time. The film offers a chilling but deeply human look at the courage of hostages and the resilience of a community under threat.
The day started off well. Security footage shows Akram ringing the doorbell and being welcomed inside by Cytron-Walker, who offers him tea and a place to warm up. “I was just trying to do what we do any other day: offer kindness and welcome,” the rabbi said.
Texas officials react to news of hostage situation at Colleyville Synagogue
Security footage shows Rabbi Citron Walker with Malik Faisal Akram holding his gun on him. (Courtesy: Ya Jude Productions)
But at 10:40 a.m., the atmosphere changed dramatically. Akram pulled out a gun and turned the four people present into hostages. “I have semi-automatic weapons. I got them Two bombs, 80% of the Jewish people will die if you do not comply.”
Security footage, revealed for the first time at Colleyville, captures every tense moment. Akram's demands centered on the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, known as the “Al Qaeda Lady,” who is being held in a nearby prison in Fort Worth. He believed that his actions could force global intervention, which he fueled Anti-Semitic conspiracy Theories of Jewish control over the world.
“His distorted perception was that President Trump or President Biden would intervene, because he held to the anti-Semitic belief that Jews control the world and could influence such a decision,” Minken told Fox News Digital.
Armed Malik Faisal Akram watches one of his hostages, Rabbi Cytron Walker. (Courtesy: Ya Jude Productions)
The film highlights Akram's erratic behavior and frightening rhetoric, including his statement: “I love death more than you Jews love life.” On reflection, Cytron Walker said that Akram “believed all the lies that were told about the Jewish people — the Jews control the banks, the media, the world. It was a dangerous combination of Extremism and anti-Semitism.”
Akram eventually allowed congregant Larry Schwartz to leave. (Courtesy: Ya Jude Productions)
Despite the fear, the hostages worked together to find moments of solidarity and opportunities for action. At one point, Akram allowed elderly congregant Larry Schwartz to use the bathroom, warning him not to try to escape. Shane Woodward, who was in the process of converting to Judaism, feigned illness and convinced Akram to let him leave. Before heading out, Shane negotiates to switch places with Larry, to ensure the older man's safety.
As the hours passed, tension escalated. Akram fired a shot into the ceiling, a disturbing act that was captured on camera. Cytron-Walker, relying on his training in active shooter scenarios, waited for the right moment. That moment came when Akram grabbed a cup of liquid with his dominant hand, temporarily preventing him from pulling the trigger.
“I saw how he carried the trophy, and I knew it was our best chance,” Cytron Walker told Fox News Digital. In a decisive move, he threw a chair at Akram, creating an escape window. “We weren't that far away from being out. It was a split-second decision, but it was the culmination of hours of watching, waiting and thinking.”
The hostages withdrew from the synagogue, with Cytron Walker leading the attack. Moments later, law enforcement forces stormed the building, ending the standoff. None of the hostages were physically harmed, although the ordeal remains psychologically damaging. “It was a terrible day, but we had a lot to be grateful for,” he said.
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A law enforcement vehicle sits in front of Congregation Beth Israel on January 16, 2022, in Colleyville, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Combining the intensity of security footage with poignant narrative, “Colleyville” offers viewers an unflinching look at the rise of anti-Semitism and the enduring power of those who confront it. “The footage itself was something that had never been seen before,” Minkin said. “It's extremely rare to see a drama like this unfold in such a cinematic way. The raw emotion and tension – it's a terrifying reminder of the danger of hateful ideologies.”
Cytron-Walker, who has long been an advocate for interfaith engagement, emphasized the importance of balancing Jewish values with security. He said: “Loving a stranger is much more difficult than loving your neighbor.” “But we have to protect ourselves, too.” Since the crisis, his synagogue has dramatically increased its security budget.
“We are seeing more of this kind of hatred,” said Sirton-Walker, which was released at a time of rising anti-Semitism around the world, adding: “It is now important to love the stranger while ensuring appropriate security.”
