Marking One Year: October 7

Remembering October 7

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 over 100 hostages still being held captive by Hamas.

Shalom Austin, along with local Jewish organizations and congregations, are planning a series of commemorative events on October 7, 2024, reflecting unity, rehabilitation and renewal.

Register Here

Austin community members gather together to hear harrowing stories from the survivors and families of hostages from the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. Credit: Rebecca Golden

Austin clergy recite Mourner's Kaddish at the Community Solidarity Gathering for Israel at Congregation Agudas Achim on October 9. Credit: David Finkel Photography

Shalom Austin Offerings |
October 7, 2024

Morning Services | 7:00 – 8:00 AM

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

Afuga Coffee and snacks available for purchase beginning at 10:00 AM

Organizational Presentations | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Organizational presentations with Anti-Defamation League, American Friends of Magen David Adom, BringThemHomeNow, Hadassah, Texas Hillel, Israeli-American Council Austin, Jewish National Fund, National Council of Jewish Women and Tzofim Israeli Scouts

Rabbinic Panel Discussion | 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Rabbinic panel moderated by Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus. Featuring Rabbi Neil Blumofe (Congregation Agudas Achim), Rabbi Kelly Levy (Congregation Beth Israel), Rabbi Daniel Millner (Congregation Tiferet Israel), Rabbi Rebecca Reice (Congregation Shir Ami), and Rabbi Eleanor Steinman (Temple Beth Shalom).

Mind & Body Healing | 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Three program opportunities:
- Resilience Yoga
- Israeli Folk Dancing
- Session with Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service on sustained grief and loss

Reflections & Film | 2:45 – 4:30 PM

Listen as Austin’s Shinshinim reflect on their personal experiences during and after October 7. 2:45 – 3:30 PM
Film experience provided by the Austin Jewish Film Festival from 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Tragic Awakening explores the roots of antisemitism through the eyes of a Muslim Zionist.

The film is free, but registering for tickets is required. Get tickets here.

Community Memorial Ceremony | 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Community-wide commemorative ceremony

Register Here

Other Local Offerings

October 7 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

University of Texas Longhorn Students for Israel, along with other Jewish organizations on campus, will host a commemorative event at UT Hogg Auditorium

October 27 | 1:00 PM

Virtual program held by Parternship2Gether with Shalom Austin’s partnership region in the Western Galilee.

October 27 | 5:00 PM

The Austin interfaith community, with Congregation Tiferet Israel and Shalom Austin, will have an event to connect Christians and the Jewish community in support of Israel