Dell JCC Is the Heartbeat of the Community
JCC Association of North America President and CEO Doron Krakow speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Dell Jewish Community Center on May 15, 2023. Courtesy: Shalom Austin.
By Allison Teegardin
On May 15, Shalom Austin held a special invitation-only ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of its newly renovated and expanded Dell Jewish Community Center (JCC). The well-attended event included remarks from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Council Member Alison Alter, JCC Association of North America President and CEO Doron Krakow, and Susan and Michael Dell. Before the ceremony, Krakow visited with community members who have shown unwavering support for the Generations capital campaign for more than a decade, aiding in the project through generous donations of time and money. Welcomed by Shalom Austin Chief Operating Officer Janet S. Elam, Krakow thanked her for her hard work stating, “You have built an extraordinary JCC that is clearly the heartbeat of the community. This is a showcase in so many ways.” Acknowledging that the project broke ground and so much of the build took place during a global pandemic, Krakow said to Elam that it speaks to the determination and dedication of the leadership, the generosity of the donors and the extraordinary talent and commitment of the staff.
Krakow continued with a reflection on the rich JCC history and concluded with questions and answers from attendees before everyone convened outside for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Dell JCC is one of the 170 JCCs in North America which are collectively visited by 1.5 million people each week. Of that, 500,000 visitors are friends and neighbors of the Jewish community, illustrating that JCCs welcome the entire community.
During his remarks at the ceremony, Krakow noted the significance of the date. “Here we are, 75 years after the establishment of the state of Israel, inaugurating the benchmark for JCCs today and for JCCs to come,” he said. “May you with the help of the Dells, the leaders gathered here, the civic and community leaders continue to build today with your eyes on tomorrow and may you go from strength to strength.”
Latest Posts
Austin Jewish Community Readies for an Anniversary of Remembrance and Healing. Shalom Austin, Congregations, Jewish Organizations Plan Community Commemoration Events for October 7
The Israeli Tzofim Friendship Caravan Visits JCamps
The Israeli Tzofim Friendship Caravan visits JCamps. Credit: A.D. Schmidt By Jessica Ochs The Israeli Tzofim Friendship Caravan came back to Austin, Texas this summer. The Austin community was so excited to welcome this group of Israeli teens for an extended stay in...
Austin Launches First Reset & Refresh Cohort
Reset & Refresh participants at the Austin Salt Cave. Courtesy: Alachua Haskins By Alachua Haskins This summer, Austin had the opportunity to become one of the first four pilot communities to launch Reset & Refresh, alongside Portland, Oregon, Atlanta,...
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness
Swimming
Tennis & Pickleball
Sports
EDUCATION
Jewish Culture & Education
Early Childhood Program Preschool
After School & Childcare
Camps
ARTS & CULTURE
Literary Arts
Visual Arts
Theatre & Film
Dance
COUNSELING & SUPPORT
Jewish Family Service
Counseling & Groups
Case Management
References & Resources
Copyright Shalom Austin 2025. Privacy Policy.