A meeting of the Houston Young Republicans featuring Livia Link-Raviv, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest, has been postponed due to security concerns after threats against the event were made by anti-Israel activists. These threats, which included a threat to burn down the venue where the event was to be held, were deemed credible by the leadership of the Houston Young Republicans.
According to the website of the Consulate General of Israel in Houston, “Consul General Livia Link-Raviv began her post in August of 2021 to lead the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest United States, which is responsible for the five-state region of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Consulate’s departments include Academic, Cultural, Hispanic, Press, Political, and Strategic Affairs.”
In a statement regarding the event’s postponement, the Houston Young Republicans reiterated its strong support for Israel and commitment to rescheduling the event at a “well-secured venue.”
The Houston Young Republicans statement reads:
“Due to public safety concerns, tonight’s meeting featuring Consul General of Israel Livia Link-Raviv has been canceled.
The meeting will be rescheduled to ensure all our members attend a well-secured event. At the end of the day, the safety of our members and guests is paramount.
One thing must be made clear — the Houston Young Republicans unequivocally stand with Israel and will not be intimidated by cheap, cowardly scare tactics from a group of deeply misguided people.
We will always stand up in the face of intimidation and bullying and take a principled stand for what we believe in. This especially includes the people of Israel, as they rightfully and heroically defend their country from terrorists.
We are committed to rescheduling this event at a well-secured venue to ensure the safety and comfort of all our members, which remains our top priority.”
Anti-Israel protestors have disrupted events in the Houston area featuring Republican politicians in recent months. In January, protestors disrupted a speech by Governor Greg Abbott at an event supporting State Representative Lacey Hull’s re-election campaign.
The protestors’ tactics may prove counterproductive, as the rescheduled event will likely attract a far larger audience than was originally anticipated.
“It’s actually ironic how this is all going down because now we’re going to reschedule this event, and it will be bigger and better than it would have been had the meeting gone on as planned,” said Sam Somogye, Communications Director for the Houston Young Republicans, to The Texas Voice.
“At the end of the day, these people are afraid of an open dialogue, which tells you all you need to know about their mission.”
Link-Raviv is likewise undeterred by the threats made against the event. In a tweet, Link-Raviv stated, “I will not be silenced. Intimidation and threats are never the way. The bullies will not win. Looking forward to conducting a productive dialogue with @HoustonYR VERY SOON. @IsraelinHouston @IsraelMFA #noplaceforhate”
The Houston Young Republicans expect to be forced to raise additional funds for the rescheduled event to cover security costs.
