Austin's Jewish Community in The Forward

30 items found so far in The Forward's coverage of Austin's Jewish community, spanning March 2003 to June 29, 2026. The Forward removed its paywall in 2026, making its full archive freely readable, so 20 of these items include a full transcript below. The remaining 10 were originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) rather than by Forward staff — each of those is marked “Wire content” with a short note explaining why no transcript is reproduced, and a link to read the full piece at the source. GAJHS volunteers are continuing to search The Forward's archive for more Austin coverage — check back often for new additions.

June 27, 2026 · The Forward · Grace Gilson & Andrew Lapin

Texas creates required reading list that includes Anne Frank and the BibleWire content — no transcript

Reports State Board of Education action in Austin and objections from Jewish leaders to the curriculum. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

2025 · The Forward · Grace Gilson

Texas Jews split as lawmakers sign off on $1B private school voucher programWire content — no transcript

Texas Jewish political/institutional response to legislation at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

2025 · The Forward

Suspect arrested after mass shooting threat that closed Texas Jewish community centerWire content — no transcript

Primarily San Antonio, but reports Shalom Austin's communication with the Austin Jewish community and that there were no known threats to Austin at that point. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

November 2023 · The Forward

What 9 Jewish teens from across the US said they took away from marching for Israel in DCWire content — no transcript

Includes Isaac Shalit, 14, of Austin, discussing Jewish unity at the March for Israel. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

September 7, 2023 · The Forward · Jackie Hajdenberg

High Holiday services are set to return this year — with a new eternal flame — to a Texas synagogue damaged in a 2021 arsonWire content — no transcript

Detailed report on Congregation Beth Israel's recovery, including conversion of fire-damaged stained glass into a ner tamid. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

April 10, 2023 · The Forward · Philissa Cramer

Man pleads guilty to hate crime in 2021 arson that damaged Austin, Texas, synagogueWire content — no transcript

Detailed account of the federal hate-crime case and Congregation Beth Israel's response. Also discusses the wider series of antisemitic incidents in Austin. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

November 15, 2021 · The Forward · Ron Kampeas

FBI charges suspect in Austin synagogue arsonWire content — no transcript

Federal case involving the fire at Congregation Beth Israel, including damage to its historic doors, stained glass and sanctuary. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

November 2021 · The Forward · JTA

An 18-year-old suspect was arrested in Austin synagogue arson caseWire content — no transcript

Arrest following the arson at Congregation Beth Israel; includes Rabbi Steve Folberg's comments about increasing attacks against Jews in Central Texas. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

October 25, 2021 · The Forward · Shira Hanau

Neo-Nazi group hangs ‘Vax the Jews’ banner in Austin, Texas just a few blocks from JCC and synagoguesWire content — no transcript

Documents antisemitic demonstration near Shalom Austin/JCC and Austin synagogues, reaction from Jewish Mayor Steve Adler, and Anderson High School antisemitic graffiti. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

March 8, 2017 · The Forward · Marcy Oster

University Of Texas Students Unanimously Back Jewish ClassmatesWire content — no transcript

UT student government resolution supporting Jewish students after vandalism at Austin Hillel and antisemitic social-media posts. Reports more than 3,000 Jewish students at UT. Full transcript not reproduced here: this piece carries a “(JTA)” dateline, meaning it was originally reported and distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (a wire service), not written by Forward staff — the Forward simply picked it up, as many Jewish outlets do. The Forward's own republishing policy makes Forward-authored stories free to reproduce, but explicitly excludes wire content credited to JTA, Haaretz, or other partner outlets, since the Forward doesn't hold the rights to republish that material itself. Click through to read the full piece at the link above.

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