Last night, Texas Governor Greg Abbott took part in a Menorah lighting ceremony celebrating Hanukkah at the state capitol, joining over 200 people amid the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. In a show of solidarity with the Jewish community, Abbott praised their resilience and reaffirmed the State of Texas commitment to safeguarding Jewish Texans against antisemitism, according to the Texas Governor's Office.
Abbott said, "Together with Jewish communities across the nation and the world, we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah." He added, "We also remember the lessons of hope, peace, and perseverance that this holiday season teaches us." Attesting to the dire situation in the Jewish homeland, the Governor sent a clear message, "During this Hanukkah season, and always, Texas stands with Israel." stated the Office of the Texas Governor's official website.
The lighting of the shamash, the central candle in the Menorah, was performed by Abbott, who went on to share Hanukkah gelt with the children in attendance. Notably joining the governor were Rabbi Yosef Levertov and Rabbi Mendy Levertov, along with other local faith leaders, who illuminated the religious significance of the holiday festivities.
Abbott, who last month visited Israel to meet with officials and war victims, has since directed a series of measures to confront antisemitism and bolster security for Jewish institutions across Texas. In addition to distributing over $4 million in grants to Jewish organizations for security purposes, the Texas governor ordered state flags lowered, honoring lives lost in the Israel-Hamas war, sight unseen. The governor's office reported on these initiatives, including educational resources about the conflict and enhancing state-wide coordination against antisemitic acts.
Among other long-standing efforts, Governor Abbott has established the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission and banned state agency dealings with entities that boycott Israel, allocating more than $19 million for the security of places of worship, such as synagogues. These measures underscore an ongoing relationship between Texas and Israel characterized by mutual support and cooperation on public safety issues.
