Governor Greg Abbott (R) is condemning a proposed resolution by the City of San Marcos that he argues promotes antisemitism and violates state law. In a letter sent to city officials, Governor Abbott warned that if the resolution is adopted, Texas will terminate all active grants to San Marcos that fail to comply with legal requirements.
“Israel is a stalwart ally of the United States and a friend to Texas,” the governor wrote. “I have repeatedly made clear that Texas will not tolerate antisemitism. Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies.”
Governor Abbott referenced his previous actions aimed at protecting the Jewish community and strengthening Texas’ relationship with Israel. He highlighted Texas laws prohibiting government entities from engaging in or supporting efforts to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel.
The governor further noted that San Marcos, like all grant recipients, is required to certify compliance with these laws when accepting funding from his office.
“My office is currently reviewing active grants to determine whether the City has breached terms,” the letter reads. “If the City adopts the antisemitic resolution, the Office of the Governor will immediately terminate all active grants not in compliance with state law.”
The resolution in question calls for the transfer of "permanent sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories" and an "Embargo on the State of Israel." The governor's response comes as part of broader efforts by Republican leadership to combat antisemitism and support Jewish communities across Texas in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel.
In a press release announcing the letter, Governor Abbott cited his following efforts to support the Jewish community:
- Distributed over $4 million in grant funding to 31 Jewish organizations to enhance security.
- Directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to coordinate with local and federal agencies on public safety efforts.
- Issued an Executive Order barring Texas agencies from buying goods from the Gaza Strip or any Hamas-linked entities.
- Ordered Texas flags lowered in honor of Israeli lives lost.
- Bolstered educational initiatives to teach Texas students about the Israel-Hamas war.
