Left to Right: Israeli-American Council (IAC) Austin Regional Manager Shelly Shwartz, IAC Council Member Moran Tairy, Shalom Austin CEO Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, former Shalom Austin CEO Jay Rubin gather at the Dell Jewish Community Campus on May 12. Credit: Rachel Stern.

By Wendy Goodman

The Israeli-American Council, an organization serving the Israeli-American community in Austin through programs for all ages, in partnership with Shalom Austin, held two rallies in Austin on May 12 and May 23 to show support of Israel and all those impacted by the 11 days of rocketfire and fighting between Israel and Hamas, before a ceasefire agreement was established. 

Austin Jewish community members and other supporters gathered on the Dell Jewish Community Campus and drove in a peaceful procession to the Texas State Capitol showing their support donning American and Israeli flags.

Community members gather at the Texas State Capitol on May 23. Credit: Avraham Ron.

Austin Jewish community members and other supporters drive from the Dell Jewish Community Campus to the Texas State Capitol on May 12. Credit: Avraham Ron.

On May 12, the crowd was addressed by Rabbi Daniel Millner of Congregation Tiferet Israel with inspiring words of peace and solidarity.

On May 23, Rabbi Neil Blumofe of Congregation Agudas Achim gave remarks of support to the large group who gathered at the Capitol.

These rallies were part of 19 other rallies led by the IAC and other American Jewish groups that took place in major cities across America in solidarity with Israel and its people. Other cities that held rallies included New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Orange County, Las Vegas, Orlando, Philadelphia, Redwood City, Seattle, Scottsdale, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. 

Shalom Austin CEO Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus Message to the Community

May 21, 2021

We continue to stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel as a recent ceasefire agreement has been met. We are staying in touch with our national partners at Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) as they continue to assess the unmet important needs in Israel and how local communities like ours can help. 

Thank you for your caring heart during this distressing time for our extended family in Israel and for all caught up in the violence. We pray the ceasefire holds and for peace and safety for all.

For more information about the community’s connection to Israel and ways to support Israel, visit shalomaustin.org/israel. ■