WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia – The decision to cancel a menorah lighting ceremony at a Williamsburg art festival has drawn sharp criticism from Virginia’s political leadership, including Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. The cancellation, reported by the Virginia Gazette, came amidst concerns relating to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Governor Youngkin’s Response
Governor Youngkin, known for his vocal support of Israel, particularly following the October 7 Hamas-led attack in Israel, labeled the cancellation as “absurd and antisemitic.” He urged the event organizers to reconsider their decision and proceed with the Hanukkah celebration.
Bipartisan Criticism
The decision to cancel the menorah lighting also faced backlash from other political figures. Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, a Democrat, condemned the act, calling it shocking and stating, “This type of hate has no place in Virginia.” She echoed the sentiment that the Jewish community should not be held responsible for Middle East conflicts.
Festival Founder’s Justification
Shirley Vermillion, the festival’s founder, expressed concerns about appearing to take sides in the Israel-Hamas conflict. According to Vermillion, the decision was made to avoid any perception of bias and was in line with the festival’s non-religious nature.
Organizers Clarify Position
Event organizers later clarified that the menorah lighting had never been officially scheduled as part of the festival, which traditionally does not include religious programs. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining the festival as a non-religious, community-centric event focused on art and music.
New Venue for Menorah Lighting
Despite the controversy, Rabbi Mendy Heber of Chabad Williamsburg has found a new location for the menorah lighting ceremony. The event is now scheduled to take place on the campus of William & Mary on the first night of Hanukkah. Rabbi Heber remains optimistic, stating, “We’re going to make this Hanukkah bigger and brighter than ever.”
Background of Israel-Hamas Conflict
The backdrop of this local event is the broader Israel-Hamas conflict, which has escalated tensions globally. The October 7 attack by Hamas led to significant casualties and has sparked international rallies supporting both sides, alongside a noted increase in antisemitic incidents.
Final Thoughts
The menorah lighting’s cancellation in Williamsburg, while initially perceived as discriminatory, has opened a dialogue on the balance between maintaining a community’s non-religious public space and respecting religious traditions. As the situation evolves, leaders and community members alike grapple with the complexities of these issues amid ongoing global conflicts.
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