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(Jewish Group) Central Texas faith leaders rebuke antisemitic incidents after fire outside synagogue
Link to tweet
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/11/01/texas-antisemitism-synagogue-fire/?utm_source=articleshare&utm_medium=social
A series of antisemitic incidents around Central Texas — including a potential arson outside an Austin synagogue this weekend — drew condemnation from a coalition of interfaith leaders and local politicians Monday.
“Hateful acts of intimidation to incite violence is unacceptable, and we will not be silent,” Simone Talma Flowers, the executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, said at a press conference Monday. “We stand united with our Jewish community as they are targeted and victimized by acts of antisemitism.”
Flowers read from a statement signed by more than 500 people, including Austin Mayor Steve Adler and all 10 of his City Council colleagues. The incidents come as nearly 1 out of every 4 Jews in the U.S. indicate experiencing antisemitism over the past year, according to a recently released report by the American Jewish Committee.
On Sunday night, the Austin Fire Department received reports of a “small exterior fire” outside Congregation Beth Israel, a reform Jewish temple in Central Austin. While no injuries occurred, Capt. Brandon James said Monday that the fire caused about $25,000 in damages. A flammable liquid appeared to have been used to accelerate the fire, James said, and the event is under investigation as a potential arson.
“Hateful acts of intimidation to incite violence is unacceptable, and we will not be silent,” Simone Talma Flowers, the executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, said at a press conference Monday. “We stand united with our Jewish community as they are targeted and victimized by acts of antisemitism.”
Flowers read from a statement signed by more than 500 people, including Austin Mayor Steve Adler and all 10 of his City Council colleagues. The incidents come as nearly 1 out of every 4 Jews in the U.S. indicate experiencing antisemitism over the past year, according to a recently released report by the American Jewish Committee.
On Sunday night, the Austin Fire Department received reports of a “small exterior fire” outside Congregation Beth Israel, a reform Jewish temple in Central Austin. While no injuries occurred, Capt. Brandon James said Monday that the fire caused about $25,000 in damages. A flammable liquid appeared to have been used to accelerate the fire, James said, and the event is under investigation as a potential arson.