Calls for boosted security funding intensify among faith leaders after Texas synagogue hostage standoff

The Temple Sinai in Atlanta sent an email this week to invite its congregants back to in-person Shabbat services – they'd been virtual for weeks because of COVID-19.

But leaders had a more pressing issue to address, just days after four Jewish congregants were held hostage at Congregation Beth Israel synagogue outside of Dallas-Fort Worth. 

"We recognize that the current trends concerning COVID-19 are but one of the sources of concern on people's minds at present," the email said.