Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott expressed Texas' unwavering support for the State of Israel and the Jewish people during a solidarity gathering at the Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin. The event was organized in response to the recent acts of war committed against Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas. Governor Abbott strongly condemned the violence and reaffirmed Texas' commitment to Israel's right to defend itself.

"Innocent children at a music festival were gunned down. Seniors were slaughtered and kidnapped. Americans are among the lives lost in the deadly attack that has killed more Jews than any attack since the Holocaust," Governor Abbott stated. "Let me be clear—Texas stands with Israel in its right to defend itself against the war criminals who unleashed this mayhem."

The Governor was joined at the gathering by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Council Member Alison Alter, and several faith leaders and local officials. The event aimed to show solidarity and support for Israel during these challenging times.

In response to the attacks, Governor Abbott announced over $4 million in additional funding from the Governor's Public Safety Office to enhance security for Jewish organizations such as synagogues and schools across Texas. The Governor also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate with local partners and federal intelligence agencies to implement heightened public safety measures statewide.

To further demonstrate support for Israel, Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order prohibiting Texas state agencies from purchasing goods produced in or exported from the Gaza Strip, as well as from any organization or state actor with ties to Hamas.

In honor of those who lost their lives during the acts of war, Governor Abbott ordered Texas flags to be flown at half-staff across the state.

Governor Abbott has consistently taken action to strengthen the relationship between Texas and Israel. Some of his notable initiatives include establishing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission, allocating more than $19 million for security enhancement projects at houses of worship, and implementing a ban on state agencies conducting business or investments with companies that boycott Israel.

The Governor's unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish community in Texas sends a powerful message of solidarity and underscores the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-asserts-enduring-support-of-israel-at-solidarity-gathering-in-austin