Austin Lions gather during one of the plenaries at the International Lion of Judah Conference. Courtesy: Shalom Austin

By Shana Creeger 

In January, 25 proud Lions of Judah from Austin joined more than 1,700 Lions, community leaders and allies from 90 communities, including Israel, Spain, UK, Mexico and Guatemala for the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The ILOJC attracts women who are making significant commitments in their local community to celebrate together, learn together and share together. There are currently more than 20,000 Lions of Judah world-wide and over 200 in Austin.  

A meaningful experience for all who attended, first-time conference attendee, Tracy Solomon, said, “Being a Lion is so much more than writing a check and wearing a pin. I have always hoped that the work I did in Austin was powerful but for the first time, I felt the power of our collective impact. With rising antisemitism and the crisis in Israel, I left the conference feeling energized, supported, and deeply connected.”  

In February, the Lions gathered once again for the Lion of Judah Campaign Kickoff, hosted by Val Newberg.  

More than 90 Lions welcomed special guest Jeannie Opdyke Smith who shared the story of her mother, Irena Gut Opdyke, who helped shelter and protect Jewish people during the Holocaust. Irena’s story was made into a Broadway play, Irena’s Vow, and is now a motion picture available on several streaming platforms.  

Lions of Judah contribute $5,000 or more annually to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign.  

For more information, contact Shana Creeger at [email protected].