Congregation Beth Israel to commemorate anniversary of arson attack

To mark the anniversary of the 2021 arson that caused extensive damage to its synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel will hold a commemoration at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. An invitation from Council Member Alison Alter, who is a member of the congregation, explains the ceremony will be an opportunity to share blessings and gratitude to first responders and members of the community who were able to help following the attack. The event is part of the WE ALL BELONG anti-hate program that aims to improve responses to hate in the community. “Austin is no place for hate. As we grapple with the violence in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and the wider region, we may experience increases in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in our community,” Alter wrote. “The WE ALL BELONG program has two primary goals: To increase awareness of tools and resources to report hate; (and) To convene community to prevent hate from taking hold in Austin and celebrate Austin’s cultural richness.” Those wishing to attend the event, which is free and open to the public, can RSVP here. Anyone hosting an event in line with the spirit of WE ALL BELONG is encouraged to request sponsorship consideration and other resources here.