Governor Greg Abbott spoke at a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to honor victims of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. The event took place last night and marked two years since what has been described as the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott stated, “No one has responded with the grace of God as effectively time and time again as the people of Israel. 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.”
Abbott emphasized Texas’ ongoing support for Israel and for Jewish communities both locally and globally. He also recalled his visit to Israel shortly after the 2023 attacks, where he witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by Hamas.
In response to ongoing security concerns, Governor Abbott recently instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase security measures around synagogues and other places of worship in Texas.
The ceremony was attended by several state representatives including Charles Cunningham, Ann Johnson, Dennis Paul, Jon Rosenthal, and Lauren Ashley Simmons. Other attendees included Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum; Congregation Beth Israel Senior Rabbi David Lyon; Jewish Federation CEO Renee Wizig-Barrios; Board Chair Rob Shoss; and additional state and local officials.
Additional photos from the event are expected to be made available soon.
