Rabbinic panel discussion allows guests to hear how local congregational rabbis have responded to the October 7 atrocities. L to R: Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Rabbi Eleanor B. Steinman, Rabbi Daniel Millner, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Kelly Levy. Credit: Rebecca Golden  

To mark one year since Hamas’s vicious attack on Israel, Shalom Austin along with local Jewish community institutions and congregations held a series of meaningful programs throughout the day on October 7, 2024. The vision of the day was focused on unity, rehabilitation, and renewal. These themes encapsulate the process Israelis (and Jews around the world) go through as they emerge out of the atrocities of October 7, 2023.  

Visible unity guided the programs, which were planned with congregational rabbis. All local Jewish and Israeli organizations were also invited to join the day.  

The day opened with a 7 a.m. Minyan Shacharit (morning services) around Austin to mark the time the horrific attacks took place in Israel on October 7, 2023.  

Trees on the Dell Jewish Community Campus were wrapped in yellow ribbons in preparation for the day. The local BringThemHomeNow committee with many volunteers erected a dramatic Nova display with the faces of those murdered at the music festival. A large display of Israeli flags representing each of the communities attacked and the number of victims and hostages taken decorated the building as people entered.   

In addition, a specific yellow ribbon display with the faces of the 101 hostages was designed on the grounds leading to the Dell JCC main building. Inside the building, yellow flower arrangements decorated each table to bring attention to the hostages. A Shabbat table displaying one yellow chair representing a hostage still in captivity was set in the Jennifer & David Kaufman Family Living Room at the Dell JCC.   

Austin residents of all faiths came to support the Jewish community on that difficult day.   

The day’s programs included:  

Session 1: “How We Responded” organizational presentations showcasing each organization’s work since October 7 took place in the morning. Attending organizations were: ADL, AFMDA, #BringThemHomeNow, Hadassah, Texas Hillel, IAC, JNF, NCJW, Tzofim Israeli Scouts.  

Governor’s Visit: Texas Governor Greg Abbott read the names of the American hostages still held by Hamas.  

Session 2: Rabbinic panel discussion informed by the atrocities of October 7 allowed guests to hear how local congregational rabbis (from all denominations) have responded to their respective communities’ needs and how they, as individuals, have found ways to cope with their own feelings.  

Workshops: A variety of offerings titled “Mind and Body Healing” were open to the Austin community during the day. Among them were: Israeli folk dancing in memory of a murdered dancer; yoga and relaxation class; grief discussion.   

Attendees also had an opportunity to meet the Austin ShinShinim and hear their personal reflections. The perspective of young Israelis whose friends are currently serving in the military resonated with many in the audience and brought forth a lively discussion.  

Austin Jewish Film Festival screened “Tragic Awakening,” a thought-provoking documentary exploring the roots of antisemitism through the eyes of a Muslim Zionist who became an Israel advocate on social media because of October 7.  

A community memorial service, led by congregational rabbis from the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform movements and personal stories shared by BringThemHomeNow and Austin Shinshinim, ended the full day of commemoration.  

With the day’s full schedule of workshops and programs, many decided to stay at the Dell JCC and mingle with others in the community.  

“Looking around our Living Room I saw many young families and older adults sitting together and talking. It was powerful to watch people come together organically to mark such a tragic day. It felt uniting. I was especially moved to meet a group of Christian ladies that wanted to show their support to the Jewish community,” said an Israeli woman who relocated to Austin recently.  

“We did not know what to expect commemorating this tragic day outside of Israel. The warmth of the community and the genuine interest to hear how the war affects us and our peers, really touched us,” said Ariella Goldstein, Austin ShinShinit.  

“The Austin Jewish community demonstrated its strong commitment to Israel and its sense of unity. In addition to Israeli and American Jews working closely together on the planning and execution of this impactful commemoration, rabbis from all denominations stood together and offered prayers and words of strength to the community. This unity was our vision from the beginning, and this was the message heard loud and clear by all who attended,” said Michal Ilai, Shalom Austin senior Israel educator.