By Wendy Goodman

As the one-year anniversary of the horrific attacks on Israel of October 7 approaches, the Austin Jewish community and people around the world are reflecting on a year marked by tremendous loss, trauma, resilience, and profound unity, with 115 hostages still being held captive by Hamas in deplorable conditions in Gaza. What began as a moment of unthinkable horror has since evolved into a powerful testament to the strength of collective support.  

The community is preparing to honor the memory of those lost while looking to the future. Shalom Austin along with local Jewish institutions and congregations are planning a series of commemorative events on October 7, 2024, reflecting unity, rehabilitation and renewal. The day’s programming includes: 

• Open Shacharit minyan services with Congregation Agudas Achim, Congregation Tiferet Israel and Chabad of Austin 

• An organizational panel discussion with Anti-Defamation League Austin, Magen David Adom, BringThemHomeNow, Hadassah, Texas Hillel, Israeli-American Council Austin, Jewish National Fund and Tzofim Israeli Scouts  

• A rabbinic panel with local community rabbis 

• A session with Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service on sustained grief and loss 

• Resilience yoga  

• Israeli folk dancing  

• A community-wide memorial service  

• University of Texas Longhorn Students for Israel will host a commemorative event in the evening on October 7, 2024.  

On October 27, Parternship2Gether will hold a virtual program with Shalom Austin’s partnership region in the Western Galilee. The interfaith community with Congregation Tiferet Israel and Shalom Austin will have an event to connect Christians and the Jewish community in support of Israel, also on October 27. Shalom Austin’s Israel Hour will resume in October, a monthly community program that provides space to navigate challenging conversations, hear many perspectives and learn from others. 

Looking back, in the days immediately following the tragedy in 2023, the Austin Jewish community convened for a Community Solidarity Gathering at Congregation Agudas Achim. The event was hosted by Shalom Austin in partnership with Israeli-American Council Austin as well as 31 other local Jewish institution partners. More than 2,000 were in attendance, in person and online.  

Jewish clergy, interfaith community leaders, and other Jewish organization professionals have played a critical role since October 7, offering words of comfort and guiding the community through the initial shock and loss. 

Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service quickly responded after October 7. They provided space for the community to process the atrocities in Israel while offering mental health and trauma coping tools and emotional support.  

Additionally, JFS, in partnership with other local Jewish institutions and community members, provided housing, school placements, financial support, donations of clothing and toys/books, playdates and Shabbat dinners for Israeli families seeking refuge in Austin ensuring those affected by the tragedy had their physical needs met as they began the long journey of emotional healing.  

Austin community members donated $2.8 million to Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Campaign, including a generous match by Michael and Susan Dell and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Since October 7, the Jewish Federations system has raised $833 million and allocated $433 million (as of July 2024) to provide vital aid, emergency medical services, economic relief, and other essential support overseas. 

As the community prepares to mark both the one-year anniversary of this tragedy and the Jewish High Holy Days, the themes of reflection, renewal and hope take on even greater meaning. The High Holy Days, a time traditionally dedicated to introspection and seeking forgiveness, resonates deeply with the community’s journey over the past year. It is a time to acknowledge the pain of the past and continuation of healing while also looking forward with a renewed sense of unity. 

“While we are still feeling the collective trauma of that horrific day, we are choosing to focus on highlighting our community’s response to the tragic events and the strong support for Israel and her people,” said Michal Ilai, Shalom Austin senior Israel educator. “This anniversary is a time for reflection, but also for gratitude—for the strength of our community and the hope that guides us forward.”  

For more information, visit shalomaustin.org/october7