"Let me be clear—Texas stands with Israel in its right to defend itself against the war criminals who unleashed this mayhem."
– Governor Greg Abbott
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – “Innocent children were gunned down at a music festival. Seniors were slaughtered and kidnapped. Americans are among the lives lost in the deadly attack that's killed more Jews than any attack since the Holocaust," said Governor Greg Abbott Monday night at the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Austin, asserting Texas’ enduring support of the State of Israel and the Jewish people during a solidarity gathering for Israel.
"Let me be clear — Texas stands with Israel in its right to defend itself against the war criminals who unleashed this mayhem.
"And, Texas wants to make sure that the Jewish community and Israeli community in Texas knows what the State of Texas is doing. Texas took action today to support the Israeli and Jewish communities,” said Abbott.
"And, Texas wants to make sure that the Jewish community and Israeli community in Texas knows what the State of Texas is doing. Texas took action today to support the Israeli and Jewish communities,” said Abbott.
Following acts of war committed against Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, the Governor firmly denounced the violence against America's strongest ally in the Middle East, and pledged Texas’ steadfast support of Israel’s right to defend itself, as well as enhanced public safety measures for the Jewish community in Texas.
“Texas joins the world in grieving for Israel, and hearts are weeping throughout Israel but also all across Texas because of the horrific attack on Israel, which must be called what it is: an act of war to which Israel has the right of self-defense, for which there is no expiration date,” said Governor Abbott.
Governor Abbott ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor those who lost their lives, including American citizens, during the acts of war carried out against Israel and its people by Hamas.
The Governor was joined at the solidarity gathering by:
- First Lady Cecilia Abbott
- Congressman Lloyd Doggett
- Austin Mayor Kirk Watson,
- Austin Council Member Alison Alter
- Rabbi Neil Blumofe
- Rabbi Daniel Septimus
- iACT Representative Ajit Giani
- and other faith leaders and local officials
Additionally, the Governor issued an Executive Order directing all Texas state agencies to refrain from purchasing goods produced in or exported from the Gaza Strip and from any organization or state actor with ties to Hamas.
Governor Abbott has taken significant action to ensure Texas maintains a strong and supportive relationship with Israel, including:
- Establishing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission
- Awarding more than $19 million through his Public Safety Office for security enhancement projects to houses of worship, such as synagogues
- Banning all state agencies from engaging in business or investments with companies that boycott Israel
