‘Sister Lone Star State’: Knesset member marks Texas independence day

MK Ohad Tal (Religious Zionism Party) poses for a picture a day before the opening session of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, Nov. 14, 2022. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

By Akiva Van Koninsgveld

(JNS) — Ohad Tal, a member of the Religious Zionism Party, congratulated the “great State of Texas” and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in a Knesset speech on March 9, marking the state’s independence day and Alamo Day, commemorated March 2 and 6 respectively.

“I am proud to recognize Texas Independence Day and Alamo Day, which both honor the rich history and tremendous spirit of Texas,” stated Tal, an Orthodox Jewish lawmaker who went recently on an official visit to Dallas. “Israelis and Texans share profound appreciation for the values of faith, freedom and resilience.”

“Texas and Israel are, after all, sister lone star states,” he added, expressing gratitude for the state’s “proclamations of support for the State of Israel throughout history.”

“The unwavering support for the Jewish state and Judea and Samaria highlights the invaluable contribution to our shared bond,” he said.

Andrew Mahaleris, the Texas governor’s press secretary, told JNS that Abbott “appreciates the remarks to the Knesset.”

“Texas stands with Israel as they defend themselves from the brutal terror organization Hamas,” he said, noting that Abbott visited the Jewish state “just weeks after the deadly attack on Oct. 7 and saw firsthand the destruction brought about by these ruthless terrorists.”

“Texas will always stand with Israel and our Jewish neighbors in Israel, here at home and across the world,” Mahaleris told JNS.

Tal told JNS on March 11 that his Feb. 24 to 27 visit to Dallas included attending the National Religious Broadcasters summit.

He was “deeply impressed by the Texans, their warm hospitality and deep passion for Israel and the country’s future,” the Israeli lawmaker told JNS.

“I met with many state leaders and activists involved in civil society, media, state and federal administrations, and so on, with the goal of promoting prosperity in America and Israel,” he said. “They see sovereignty as a key mission that can—and will—be accomplished.”

“I truly believe collaboration between Israelis and Texans will channel real change, and I feel privileged to be part of the movement,” Tal told JNS.

In his remarks before the Knesset, Tal said that Texas’s independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836, is a “statement to the courage and determination that define the Texan spirit.” The concurrent Battle of the Alamo “stands as a symbol of unshakable resolve in the face of overwhelming odds,” he said.

“These narratives of resolve and sacrifice are mirrored in Israel’s own journey towards sovereignty and peace,” Tal told the Knesset. “There is no stronger value that unites Israel with Texas Independence Day and Alamo Day than sovereignty.”

“You fought your battle for sovereignty in the past, and we are fighting for sovereignty over Judea and Samaria today,” he said.

Tal thanked his “close Texan friends who are now working hard to recognize Israel’s sovereignty throughout the entire Land of Israel.”

“May the enduring friendship between the Texan people and Israel continue to flourish,” he said in his speech. “God of Israel, guide us in all our endeavors. May God bless Israel, and may God bless Texas.”