The Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) held its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 4, at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Commissioners, educators, and community members gathered for statewide updates on Holocaust and antisemitism education.

The meeting’s most emotional moment came from Houston’s Leibel Lazaroff, who survived the Bondi terrorist attack in December. Lazaroff shared his firsthand experience of the carnage that day with his testimony drawing the full attention of the room and anchoring the session in the reality of rising antisemitic violence.

THGAAC Chair Ken Goldberg stressed the importance of Lazaroff’s presence. “Hearing Leibel speak was vital,” Goldberg said. “His attack was antisemitism at its worst — violent, targeted and meant to instill fear. Having him here reminded every one of us why this commission exists and why our work cannot slow down.”

In recognition of his courage, Lazaroff received an official State of Texas proclamation presented by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, who praised the commission’s work and reflected on its importance. She noted that the THGAAC oversees “incredible and essential efforts” to confront hate and added, “We can never give in to hate and indifference. I hope the work this commission does inspires others to defend the blessings of faith and family.”

The commission also heard from Edmund Fitton‑Brown, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who provided global context on extremism and the geopolitical forces shaping contemporary antisemitic threats.

–Submitted by Scott Kammerman