Responding to Hate
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 11:33 am
Dear Colleagues,
AFD is investigating an intentionally set fire that occurred last night at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in District 10. I have spoken with temple and city leadership, the ADL, AFD Chief Baker, and the Fire Marshal and understand that the AFD arson unit is working with the FBI, APD, and other regional law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend the suspect(s). Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the fire department responded in a matter of minutes, mitigating the structural damage.
My family and I belong to Congregation Beth Israel and are disturbed by the increasing levels of antisemitic hate here in Austin. Coming on the heels of the events that took place in October, many people have requested guidance on how best to respond. I encourage you to share the resources offered by the Anti-Defamation League available here - http://www.adl.org.
On Friday, I posted a resolution condemning antisemitism, racism, and hate and calling on the City Manager to work to improve the City’s response to acts of hate. The resolution (item #64) is available here - https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/docum ... ?id=370519. Thank you to Mayor Adler and Council Members Fuentes, Tovo, and Kelly for co-sponsoring this resolution. I would like to invite all of you to join as co-sponsors so that we may show a united front against hate. These hateful acts do not represent our community.
Regards,
Alison Alter
AFD is investigating an intentionally set fire that occurred last night at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in District 10. I have spoken with temple and city leadership, the ADL, AFD Chief Baker, and the Fire Marshal and understand that the AFD arson unit is working with the FBI, APD, and other regional law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend the suspect(s). Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the fire department responded in a matter of minutes, mitigating the structural damage.
My family and I belong to Congregation Beth Israel and are disturbed by the increasing levels of antisemitic hate here in Austin. Coming on the heels of the events that took place in October, many people have requested guidance on how best to respond. I encourage you to share the resources offered by the Anti-Defamation League available here - http://www.adl.org.
On Friday, I posted a resolution condemning antisemitism, racism, and hate and calling on the City Manager to work to improve the City’s response to acts of hate. The resolution (item #64) is available here - https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/docum ... ?id=370519. Thank you to Mayor Adler and Council Members Fuentes, Tovo, and Kelly for co-sponsoring this resolution. I would like to invite all of you to join as co-sponsors so that we may show a united front against hate. These hateful acts do not represent our community.
Regards,
Alison Alter