The Chabad of Newfoundland and Labrador is extending a message of strength to the survivors of the Colleyville synagogue hostage situation.

Around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, an armed man entered a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, taking four people hostage in what the FBI called a “terrorism-related matter, in which the Jewish community was targeted”.

This began a 10-hour standoff with police, before forces were able to eliminate the man and release the hostages, who were unharmed.

Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky says while Newfoundlanders are mostly accepting and welcoming of his community, he has seen rare instances of Anti-Semitism in the province, including someone yelling at him while he was outside his house.

He says while the likelihood of something similar happening here is low, it affects the entire community.

Rabbi Chernitsky says because Newfoundland is such an accepting place, he doesn’t think attendance at their events will be affected, but people are feeling a little uneasy.

He says it’s important to have safety protocols in place.

He is sending a message of strength to the survivors of the Texas hostage incident.

He urges them never to be afraid and bow to Anti-Semitism or hate of any kind, as that only “feeds the beast”.

He says the best way to counter this is to be a strong and proud Jew, and continue to make the world a better place.