Congregation Beth El Religious School and community members at the 6 Million steps walk. Credit- Maayan Oved

By Shelly Shwartz

Members of Congregation Beth El, together with the Israeli-American Council (IAC),  and other community members, marched on Sunday, April 23 against rising antisemitism and to remember the Holocaust. The demonstration is part of 6 Million Steps, a nationwide campaign by IAC, which takes place from March 26 through April 23.

The IAC Austin office was leading this local event, in partnership with Congregation Beth El Religious School. Participants walked around the Congregation, concluding with a short ceremony inside. At the end of the route, participants were asked to log their steps on the national event website, 6msteps.org

Other 6 Million Steps events have taken place in Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Florida, and Tenafly, NJ.

The initiative had a goal of 6 million steps gathered by Holocaust Remembrance Day. However, the goal was surpassed, with walks held in communities throughout the country, and a total of 36,600,801 steps logged. Texas accounted for 60,115 of the total steps as of April 23.

This is the IAC’s second time leading this walk in Austin, together with Beth El. Their goal is to extend it next year and to reach many more people in the community.

Megan Freedman, Director of Beth El Religious School said, “Joining with the IAC, our Beth El Sunday school took meaningful (literal) steps in remembrance of the Shoah. Giving students an opportunity to take action helps them to develop their sense of community, Jewish identity and prepares them to address antisemitism.”

Left Photo: Mary Ahava Eizraelov, Tamar Riley Eizraelov and Leah Moya Fabregas at the 6 Million steps walk. Credit- Maayan Oved.                                   Right Photo:  Ayala and Aviv Perry walking at the 6 million steps walk. Credit-Maayan Oved