Festival’s Rejection Of Menorah Lighting Leads To Accusations Of Antisemitism

What started as a private conversation between Rabbi Mendy Heber of Chabad Williamsburg and event founder Shirley Vermillion about a potential candle-lighting ceremony has been shared with media outlets — prompting questions about antisemitism and highlighting how, thousands of miles away from the Israel-Gaza war, a Hanukkah menorah has become political.

“Singling out the Jewish community by canceling this Hanukkah celebration is absurd and antisemitic,” Youngkin said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. “The event organizers should immediately reconsider their actions and move forward with the menorah lighting.”

This dispute comes as Israel is expanding its ground operation against Hamas across the Gaza Strip, forcing many displaced civilians to flee again. As the war continues, U.S. federal officials say they have been responding to a rise in threats against Arab, Jewish and Muslim communities thousands of miles away from the conflict.

Heber had hoped a menorah lighting this coming Sunday, the fourth night of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, during an arts and music festival in Williamsburg, Va., would be a chance to highlight the message of light amid darkness, without emphasizing religion.

The festival occurs on the second Sunday of every month from March to December, with more than 150 artisans, musicians, street performers and food vendors.