Antisemitism is ‘the belief or behavior hostile toward Jews just because they are Jewish. It may take the form of religious teachings that proclaim the inferiority of Jews, for instance, or political efforts to isolate, oppress, or otherwise injure them. It may also include prejudiced or stereotyped views about Jews.’(i)
On October 31, 2021, Franklin Barrett Sechriest set fire to Congregation of Beth Israel, a Jewish Temple in Austin (ii). Community leaders, faith-based organizations and concerned residents have rallied together in an act of solidarity to address the recent uptick in antisemitism in Greater Austin and San Antonio communities. These acts of bigotry and hate include (but unfortunately not limited to):
- Vandalizing Anderson High School with swastikas, homophobic language & anti-Black racist slurs (iii)
- Hate letters being sent to Jewish residents living in Hays County (iv)
- Antisemitic messages being scrolled at Ramsey Park in Central Austin (v)
- Neo Nazi group traveling to spread their message of hate against Jewish communities by (vi)
- Hanging an antisemitism banner across an overpass on North Mopac Expressway in Austin
- Posting hate flyers on the front lawns of San Antonio’s Churchill Estates and Deerfield neighborhoods
- Holding demonstrations across from the San Antonio Jewish Community Center
During this panel, we will discuss calls to action against hate crimes in our Jewish community, while also continuing to expand the conversation around more meaningful acts of unity and solidarity, across racial and ethnic groups in our region.
Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021 I noon – 1:00 pm
Free I Open to Public I Virtual Delivery
Panelists
Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Agudas Achim
Colette Pierce Burnette, Ed.D., President & CEO of Huston-Tillotson University
Reverend Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, PhD., Dean of Community Life at Seminary of the Southwest
Moderators
Footnotes | (i) Antisemitism. Anti-Defamation League. 2021, (ii) Pollard, James. November 1, 2021. The Texas Tribune., (iii) Ibid, (iv) Moreno-Lozano, Luz. November 4, 2021. Austin American Statesman, (v) Reader, Grace. November 10, 2021. KXAN News and (vi) Katz, Dan. October 27, 2021. Texas Public Radio.
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