Threats to the Jewish community are among the FBI’s “highest priorities”, the agency’s director has said in a discussion about the attack on the Beth Israel congregation in Texas last weekend. 

Speaking to an online seminar organised by America’s Anti-Defamation League, Christopher Wray also said Jews face threats from across the "hate spectrum", from homegrown extremists to state-sponsored overseas terror groups. 

The investigation into the Texas synagogue siege is still ongoing as the agency continues to sift through the details.

The attack was not “some random occurrence” but “intentional and symbolic,” Mr Wray added.

The emphasis on antisemitism was a shift from the agency’s initial claim that Blackburn gunman Malik Faisal Akram was not deliberately targeting Jews.

Speaking on Saturday night, FBI Special Agent Matt DeSarno said: “We do believe from our engaging with this subject that he was singularly focused on one issue, and it was not specifically related to the Jewish community. But we're continuing to work to find motive.”

A recording of Mr Akram’s final phone call during the siege released by the JC revealed the jihadi ranting about “f**king Jews” to his brother. 

To attack a place of worship is “one of the most heinous acts of violence,” Mr Wray said.

He said FBI leadership in all 56 of its field offices should be working with faith communities and building relationships to prevent future attacks.

The rise of ‘lone wolf’ terrorists means intelligence agencies have less information to work with than ever before, making community cooperation essential to uncovering attacks before they can take place, he said.

Mr Wray pointed to the 2019 plot to bomb Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Colorado.

In that case, he said, proactive investigation had led to hate crime charges ahead of the attack for the first time ever.

Establishing and building relationships before crisis strikes was therefore vital, a call echoed by Beth Israel Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who was himself taken hostage.

The rabbi said: “No matter how good the plan is, no matter how good the security is, these kinds of things can still happen. 

“We were unfortunate to have it happen at Congregation Beth Israel… I’m so grateful that I’m able to be here.”

It is key for all congregations, especially those with fewer resources, to focus on building relationships, Rabbi Cytron-Walker added.

“Those bridges matter, connections, relationships, they truly are so important.”

While he was held hostage Rabbi Cytron-Walker was able to text the area’s police chief because he already had a relationship with him.

Despite the attack he said he would continue to wear his yarmulke in public.