IAC Austin held a Tu Bishvat celebration. Photo credit: Neli Vainbrand

By Shelly Shwartz

The Israeli-American Council’s mission is to build an engaged and united Israeli-American community that strengthens the Israeli and Jewish identity of the next generation, the American Jewish community, and the bond between the people of the United States and the state of Israel.

Over half a million Israeli-Americans live in the United States today. As a vital component of American society, they play a major role in social activism, academia, culture and innovation. The IAC is the largest Israeli-American organization in the United States, serving this vibrant sector of the Jewish American community.

The IAC’s effectiveness and success is the direct result of its ability to organize, activate, and engage the Israeli-American community nationwide through cutting-edge programming and activities, developing and empowering community leaders and establishing strategic partnerships with a wide array of nonprofit organizations within the Jewish American community.

IAC has 22 branches all over the United States. In Austin, IAC opened its office a little over two years ago. While Austin is a smaller community compared to the big hubs, there is a lot of great energy and desire to make an impact. In the short time IAC has been operating in Austin, the organization has held many events and programs for different ages, touching a wide range of topics. IAC is available to serve the growing dynamic Israeli-American community in Austin and connect it to the Jewish-American community. 

IAC Austin offers many programs for children as young as four years old up to adults and, of course, to families. The organization holds various events throughout the year, including holidays celebrations, Shishi Israeli, celebrating Shabbat as well as special events. IAC Austin works closely with Shalom Austin, Austin Jewish Academy and many local synagogues. 

IAC Austin wants Austin’s Israeli-Americans to be a community, regardless of how Jewish or Israeli its members feel. The organization welcomes the non-affiliated, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox and would love for everyone to partake. Participants do not have to be Israeli either. 

Stay tuned for IAC Austin’s upcoming events, and please feel welcome to be in touch. IAC Austin leaders look forward to engaging the Israeli-American and Jewish-American community in Austin while building a strong and vibrant community for generations to come.

For more information, contact sshwartz@israeliamerican.org or visit iac360.org.