New documentary reveals hostage-taking siege caught on camera at Texas synagogue

On a cold Saturday morning in January 2022, Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, was a quiet sanctuary in a small community. As Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker prepared to lead the live-streamed service, a man, later identified as Malik Faisal Akram, arrived at the synagogue. His presence would change the course of the day forever.

A new documentary, “Colleyville,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Dani Menkin, features never-before-seen footage from the synagogue's 13 security cameras, documenting the 11-hour hostage crisis in real time. The film offers a fun yet deeply personal look at the heroism of the hostages and the resilience of a threatened community.

The day started with an act of kindness. Security footage shows Akram ringing the doorbell and being welcomed inside by Cytron-Walker, who offered him tea and a place to stay warm. “I was trying to do what we do on any other day: give grace and acceptance,” the rabbi said.

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But at 10:40 in the morning, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Akram pulled out a gun and shot the four people who were there as hostages. “I have semi-automatic rifles. I have two grenades, 80% of the Jewish people will die if you don't comply,” he shouted.

Security footage, shown for the first time in “Colleyville,” captures the entire tense moment. Akram's demands centered on the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, known as “Lady al-Qaeda,” was being held at the nearby Fort Worth jail. He believed that his actions would force a global intervention, motivated by antisemitic ideas about Jewish control of the world.

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“His distorted view is that President Trump or President Biden will step in, as he adheres to the anti-Semitic belief that Jews control the world and can influence such a decision,” Menkin told Fox News Digital.

Armed Malik Faisal Akram watches one of his captors, Rabbi Cytron-Walker. (Courtesy: Hey Jude productions)

The film highlights Akram's mysterious behavior and shocking statements, including his declaration: “I love death more than you Jews love life.” Cytron-Walker said in reflection that Akram “believed all the lies that were told about the Jewish people – that the Jews controlled the banks, the media, the world. It was a dangerous combination of extremism and anti-Semitism.”

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Finally Akram let the congregation Larry Schwartz go. (Courtesy: Hey Jude productions)

Despite the fear, the hostages worked together to find moments of solidarity and opportunities to act. At one point, Akram allowed elderly congregation member Larry Schwartz to use the restroom, warning him not to try to escape. Shane Woodward, who was in the process of converting to Judaism, feigned illness and motioned for Akram to let him go. Before leaving, Shane negotiated a change of scenery with Larry, ensuring the older man's safety.

As the hours passed, the tension grew. Akram shot from the ceiling, a shocking action caught on camera. Cytron-Walker, drawing on his training in active shooting situations, waited for the right moment. That moment came when Akram held a cup of liquid in his strong hand, momentarily preventing him from pulling the trigger.

“I saw the way he held the trophy, and I knew it was our best chance,” Cytron-Walker told Fox News Digital. With a heavy move, he threw a chair at Akram, creating a window to escape. “We weren't far from getting out. It was a second choice, but it was the end of hours of watching, waiting, and thinking.”

The kidnappers left the synagogue, Cytron-Walker leading the charge. After a while, the law enforcement officers stormed the building, ending the conflict. None of the hostages were physically harmed, although the psychological anguish continued. “It was a very bad day, but we had a lot to be thankful for,” he said.

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A law enforcement vehicle sits in front of Beth Israel Congregation on Jan. 16, 2022, in Colleyville, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“Colleyville” combines the intensity of secure video with emotional storytelling, giving viewers an unflinching look at the rise of anti-Semitism and the enduring power of those who face it. “The images themselves were unprecedented,” Menkin said. “It's rare to see a drama like this unfold in cinematic form. The raw emotion, the tension – it's a terrifying reminder of the danger of hateful ideas.”

Cytron-Walker, a longtime advocate of interfaith dialogue, emphasized the importance of balancing Jewish values ​​with security. “Loving a stranger is more difficult than loving your neighbor,” he said. “But we also have to protect ourselves.” Since the tragedy, his synagogue has significantly increased its security budget.

Released at a time of rising antisemitism around the world, Cyrton-Walker said, “We're seeing more of this kind of hate,” adding, “It's even more important now to love the stranger while ensuring proper safety.”