Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s October 7th remembrance ceremony, held to honor victims of the 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel. The event took place last night and marked two years since what was described as the deadliest attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust.
“No one has responded with the grace of God as effectively time and time again as the people of Israel,” said Governor Abbott. “We gather to remember those taken from us two years ago in the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We pray every day that every hostage is returned to their families who have waited far too long.”
During his remarks, Governor Abbott reiterated Texas’ ongoing support for Israel and Jewish communities both locally and globally. He referenced his visit to Israel shortly after the October 7, 2023 attack, where he observed damage caused by what he called “ruthless terrorists.”
Recently, Governor Abbott instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase security measures around synagogues and other places of worship.
The ceremony was attended by state Representatives Charles Cunningham, Ann Johnson, Dennis Paul, Jon Rosenthal, and Lauren Ashley Simmons; Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum; Congregation Beth Israel Senior Rabbi David Lyon; Jewish Federation CEO Renee Wizig-Barrios; Board Chair Rob Shoss; along with other state and local officials.
Photos from the event are expected to be made available at a later date.
