Information provided by THGAAC@public.govdelivery.com Visit thgaac.texas.gov to learn more about the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission.
AUSTIN, Texas — On the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks this Wednesday, college students across Texas are engaging in meaningful conversations about the history and rise of modern antisemitism through educational programming developed and supported by the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC).
The program is part of THGAAC’s Texas Campus Outreach Initiative, developed at the direction of the 89th Texas Legislature, to support students, educators, and surrounding communities through antisemitism awareness, Holocaust education, dialogue, and cross-cultural engagement. Established by the Texas Legislature in 2021, THGAAC is part of the Texas Historical Commission, charged with educating Texans about the Holocaust and combating antisemitism.
Among the programs taking place this fall:
- At Sul Ross State University in Alpine on October 7, representatives of Sharaka, a Middle East-based organization promoting dialogue and cross-cultural understanding, will spend the day in classrooms before participating in a public discussion at the Museum of the Big Bend focused on antisemitism, Holocaust education, interfaith understanding and the pursuit of peace.
- At Texas A&M University in College Station, Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard Divinity School graduate who became a prominent voice in the national conversation about campus antisemitism following October 7, will engage students in a discussion about antisemitism and the experiences of Jewish students on college campuses. The event is co-sponsored by Chabad.
- At Southern Methodist University in Dallas, the semester-long L’Dor VaDor program continues to bring students together for sustained learning and conversation about Jewish history, identity, and antisemitism.
“October 7 changed the conversation about antisemitism on college campuses. Understanding that moment requires more than focusing on a single day or a single conflict,” said THGAAC Chair Ken Goldberg. “Our goal is to create opportunities for students to learn, ask difficult questions and better understand antisemitism in its historical and contemporary contexts.”
Hamas-led militants attacked communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The attack was the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust. The final hostage was returned to Israel in January 2026.
The attack and the wars and regional conflict that followed have generated intense discussion on college campuses, in classrooms, and at public events. THGAAC’s campus programming seeks to ensure those conversations include an understanding of the long history of antisemitism, how it manifests today and the role education and dialogue can play in confronting hatred.
“Antisemitism and cultural hatred are persistent issues that do not respect borders. Rarely discussed in our part of the state, I believe the topic deserves the attention and participation of the Big Bend community,” said Texas Historical Commission Commissioner G.E. “Pete” Peterson of Alpine, who is supporting the programming at Sul Ross.
Learn more at thgaac.texas.gov.
As previously reported by NacNewsNow.com:
The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission distributes a quarterly newsletter providing information on past and upcoming programs and events, including legislative updates and grant application information.
Follow this link to read the September 2026 THGAAC Newsletter.
Previous newsletters are available at thgaac.texas.gov/about/news-updates.