Freedom of Religion includes the freedom to worship in safety!

The Jewish hostages escaped in Colleyville, Texas. But synagogues ask, "How can they be more secure?" The hostages whispered instructions and edged closer to the door — part of invaluable training that anxious congregations are using. 

"But when the gunman ordered the men to kneel, they decided they had to take action. The rabbi grabbed a chair and heaved it at the gunman. The hostages ran for the door." Rabbi, Charlie Cytron-Walker, has been called heroic.

Echo opinion letter published in The New York Times:

Particularly as a member of the Jewish community, I thank God that the hostages taken at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday were able to get free.

Synagogues: "My synagogue now imposes a supplemental fee to our membership dues for security, and government appropriations have been provided to endangered houses of worship in an effort to keep congregants safe," Oren Spiegler.

Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker is a hero. He deftly used the skills he had learned in security training to choose the proper moment to divert the attacker and escape, and he did so because he sensed that the perpetrator was becoming increasingly agitated and dangerous. Deserving of honorable mention are the law enforcement officials who negotiated with the gunman and were no doubt prepared to rush in to carry out a dangerous rescue mission if necessary.

While the outcome was the best possible under the circumstances, I am saddened and outraged that the country has experienced yet another senseless assault on peaceful people at worship that will surely haunt those involved and Jews throughout the country, and bring a heightened concern for safety to those of my faith who wish to be able to worship without fear.

Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker

We live in a country in the midst of a new era of hatred and intolerance, including a rising level of antisemitism and anti-Asian prejudice that manifests itself in harassment and assaults on innocent people who are simply going about their daily lives, posing no threat to anyone.

My synagogue now imposes a supplemental fee to our membership dues for security, and government appropriations have been provided to endangered houses of worship in an effort to keep congregants safe.

May people of good will somehow bring us back to the values and ideals of America. May we all be able to someday live in a country defined by tolerance, acceptance of others and peace.

Oren Spiegler, Peters Township, Pennsylvania

Maine Writer post script:  The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that everyone in the United States has the right to practice his or her own religion- "caveat.........and to do so in a safe place of worship!".