Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Hanukkah with members of the Jewish community at the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Austin last night. In front of a crowd of over 200 people, Governor Abbott commended the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and reiterated Texas' commitment to protecting Jewish communities and fighting antisemitism.

"Together with Jewish communities across the nation and the world, we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah," said Governor Abbott. "We also remember the lessons of hope, peace, and perseverance that this holiday season teaches us. This year, these lessons are even more important as the Jewish homeland fights to protect its citizens from the horrors of Hamas. During this Hanukkah season, and always, Texas stands with Israel. As we light these candles, sing together, and pray together, I hope that this time of love and community burns brightly in all of us and reminds us that light always triumphs over darkness."

During the ceremony, Governor Abbott lit the shamash (servant candle) of the Menorah and reflected on the significance of the holiday for the Jewish community. He then distributed Hanukkah chocolate coins, called gelt, to children in attendance. Rabbi Yosef Levertov, Rabbi Mendy Levertov, and other local faith leaders joined the Governor at the Hanukkah celebration.

Governor Abbott has been actively taking measures to enhance security and combat antisemitism in Texas amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. He has distributed over $4 million in grant funding to 31 Jewish organizations for security enhancements, directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate with local partners and federal intelligence agencies on heightened public safety measures, and issued an Executive Order restricting the purchase of goods from the Gaza Strip and from any organization or state actor with ties to Hamas.

Furthermore, Governor Abbott has ordered Texas flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of lives lost in Israel, increased education resources to raise awareness of the Israel-Hamas war among Texas students, and directed the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission to take quick action against acts of antisemitism.

This Hanukkah celebration comes after Governor Abbott's visit to Israel last month, where he met with Israeli officials and visited victims and affected families to gain firsthand knowledge of the impacts of the Israel-Hamas conflict and find ways to further support Israel, America's strongest ally in the Middle East.

Governor Abbott has consistently demonstrated his commitment to maintaining a strong and supportive relationship with Israel. He established the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission, allocated over $19 million for security enhancement projects in houses of worship, and banned state agencies from engaging in business or investments with companies that boycott Israel.

As Hanukkah continues, Governor Abbott's participation in the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, resilience, and standing against hate. Texas stands with Israel and the Jewish community in the pursuit of peace and the triumph of light over darkness.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-celebrates-hanukkah-at-texas-capitol-menorah-lighting-ceremony