Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, today issued the following statement on the tragic hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Texas:

          “I am grateful and relieved that all hostages from Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, have been freed unharmed. I thank the FBI and local law enforcement for their professionalism and their role in bringing an end to this tragic drama. It reminds us, however, that we have seen an alarming rise in anti-Semitic acts and violence in recent years. We must condemn hatred of Jews wherever it occurs and from whatever quarter, and Congress must continue to provide robust funding for protecting synagogues and other houses of worship.”

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