Jewish Federations of North America Emergency Leadership Fly-In to Washington, D.C. in June 2025. L-R Andy Dooher, Jennifer Failla, Phil Loewy, Nora Lieberman, Emily Bourgeois. Courtesy: Emily Bourgeois

By Emily Bourgeois, Shalom Austin Public Affairs Director

When Shalom Austin launched its Public Affairs Department less than two years ago, the community found itself navigating an extremely tense and uncertain moment. The University of Texas at Austin was experiencing widespread campus protests connected to the Israel–Hamas War, and the Austin Jewish community mobilized quickly to speak against a unilateral ceasefire resolution before the Austin City Council. Across the country, antisemitic activity was rising at alarming rates, and Austin was not immune. During that time, the number of reports reaching Shalom Austin about antisemitic incidents, school challenges, and safety concerns grew rapidly. In response, a committed group of lay leaders stepped forward to guide the organization’s approach. Their steady leadership laid the foundation for what would soon become a fully professionalized Shalom Austin Public Affairs Department, with the hiring of the department’s first director in May 2024.

Today, nearly two years later, the day-to-day work looks different, but the need remains just as vital. While large demonstrations around the city have calmed, the underlying issues facing the Jewish community require sustained, strategic attention. The Public Affairs team has shifted from urgent crisis response toward long-term planning, proactive advocacy, and relationship-building across the city and state. A growing committee of dedicated volunteer leaders continues to power this work, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Austin.

During this period, the department has accomplished significant milestones. Working alongside partners and community advocates, Shalom Austin helped defeat the proposed ceasefire resolution at City Hall—an effort that protected our community from a measure that would have further politicized Jewish identity and increased local tensions. It supported the successful passage of a statewide bill codifying an antisemitism definition for K–12 schools, ensuring clearer guidelines for educators and stronger protections for Jewish students. Together with Jewish Federations across Texas, the department advocated for a historic $7 million allocation in the state budget for the Texas Nonprofit Security Grant Program, unlocking crucial safety funding for Jewish institutions statewide. We also expanded civic engagement efforts, hosted well-attended community programs, and helped empower local Jews to make their voices heard in the democratic process.

This work spans three interconnected areas: education, government affairs, and community relations. In schools, we collaborate with partners across the state to ensure Jewish students feel safe, supported, and represented. They train parents to advocate for their children, support educators navigating incidents of bias, and engage with school districts to improve curriculum and climate. In government affairs, we work directly with local and state leaders to elevate the needs of our community through nonpartisan, values-driven advocacy grounded in data and lived experience. And in community relations, they invest in strong partnerships with faith-based, civic, and nonprofit organizations, ensuring the Jewish community remains connected, supported, and understood across Austin’s diverse landscape.

As the Public Affairs Department continues to grow, one guiding principle remains unchanged: this work must be nonpartisan, values-based, and consensus-driven, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the entire Austin Jewish community. 

To learn more or to get involved, contact [email protected].