"There is a deep, enduring bond between Texas and Israel – with the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance embedded in the histories of both our people."
– Governor Greg Abbott
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – "Unfortunately, never has freedom in Israel been more threatened than it is right now – and the people of Israel are vigorously fighting to defend it," said Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier this morning, as he arrived in Israel to reaffirm Texas’ enduring and unwavering support of the State of Israel, the Israeli people, and Israel’s right to self-defense amid acts of war by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas.
"There is a deep, enduring bond between Texas and Israel, with the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance embedded in the histories of both our people," said Governor Abbott.
"Texas stands ready to offer our complete and total support to Israel in their fight against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas, and I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of this horrific war and how we can continue to help Israel safeguard their freedom during this trip," Abbott said.
During the trip, Gov. Abbott will meet with Israeli officials and visit with victims and impacted families to gain first-hand knowledge about the impacts of the Israel-Hamas war – and ways Texas can continue to support America’s strongest ally in the Middle East.
The trip was coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, and Abbott was joined on the trip by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
As Governor, Abbott has taken significant action to bolster security and combat antisemitism across Texas amid acts of war against the State of Israel – and innocent civilians – by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, including:
- Distributing over $4 million in grant funding to 31 Jewish organizations that will support security enhancements
- Directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate with local partners and federal intelligence agencies on heightened public safety measures across the state
- Issuing 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
- Ordering Texas flags lowered to half-staff in honor of lives lost amid act of war in Israel
- Bolstering education resources to increase awareness and understanding of the Israel-Hamas war for Texas students
- Directing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission to identify ways to quickly report and take pre-emptive action against acts of antisemitism
- 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; and
- Banning all state agencies from engaging in business or investments with companies that boycott Israel.
