Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott last night celebrated Hanukkah with members of the Jewish community at the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Austin. Addressing a crowd of over 200, the Governor lauded the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and reaffirmed Texas’ commitment to protecting Jewish communities across the state and combating antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war.
“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 theses 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, the Governor lit the shamash (servant candle) of the Menorah and reflected on the importance of the holiday for the Jewish community. Following the Menorah lighting, Governor Abbott handed out Hanukkah chocolate coins, called gelt, to children who attended the ceremony. The Governor was joined at the Hanukkah celebration by Rabbi Yosef Levertov, Rabbi Mendy Levertov, and other local faith leaders.
Last month, Governor Abbott traveled to Israel to meet with Israeli officials and visit with victims and impacted families to gain first-hand knowledge about the impacts of the Israel-Hamas war and ways Texas can continue to support Israel—America’s strongest ally in the Middle East.
Governor Abbott has taken significant action to bolster security and combat antisemitism across Texas amid acts of war against the State of Israel and innocent civilians by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, including:
- Distributing over $4 million in grant funding to 31 Jewish organizations that will support security enhancements
- Directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate with local partners and federal intelligence agencies on heightened public safety measures across the state
- Issuing an Executive Order directing all Texas state agencies to refrain from purchasing goods produced in or exported from the Gaza Strip and from any organization or state actor with ties to Hamas
- Ordering Texas flags lowered to half-staff in honor of lives lost amid act of war in Israel
- Bolstering education resources to increase awareness and understanding of the Israel-Hamas war for Texas students
- Directing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission to identify ways to quickly report and take pre-emptive action against acts of antisemitism
Previous significant action Governor Abbott has taken to ensure Texas maintains a strong and supportive relationship with Israel include: establishing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission; awarding more than $19 million through his Public Safety Office for security enhancement projects to houses of worship, such as synagogues; and banning all state agencies from engaging in business or investments with companies that boycott Israel.
