Virginia Festival's Decision to Cancel Menorah Lighting Sparks Controversy

Governor Glenn Youngkin and Rabbi Mendy Heber Condemn the Move as Antisemitic

Second Sundays, a cultural festival in Williamsburg, Virginia, has decided not to hold a public menorah lighting due to concerns it would be seen as endorsing Israel during its ongoing war with Hamas.
The decision has sparked controversy and accusations of antisemitism, with Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin calling the move 'absurd and antisemitic'.
Rabbi Mendy Heber of Chabad Williamsburg, who proposed the menorah lighting, has described the decision as a 'kick in the gut' and 'discriminatory, ugly and un-American'.
Shirley Vermillion, the festival's founder, stated that the decision was not discriminatory but based on the objectives of the organization to remain neutral and focus on music and art.
Despite the controversy, a public menorah lighting will still take place in Williamsburg, as Chabad Williamsburg will be holding one on the William & Mary campus.