ATX Together: The Engage Series — A Call to Action Against Antisemitism in Greater Austin

ATX Together: The Engage Series
A Call to Action Against Antisemitism in Greater Austin

Now available to stream.

Description:
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."

On October 31, 2021 Franklin Barrett Sechriest set fire to Congregation of Beth Israel, a Jewish Temple in Austin. 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 and anti-Black racist slurs
• Hate letters being sent to Jewish residents living in Hays County
• Antisemitic messages being scrolled at Ramsey Park in Central Austin
• Neo Nazi group traveling to spread their message of hate against Jewish communities by
      - 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 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.

Panelists:
- Rabbi Neil Blumofe
Senior Rabbi Congregation Agudas Achim

- Colette Pierce Burnette, Ed.D.
President & CEO Huston-Tillotson University

- Rev. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Ph.D.
Dean of Community Life Seminary of the Southwest