The cancellation of menorah lighting events in both East London and Virginia due to the Israel-Hamas war has sparked anger and accusations of antisemitism. The Havering Council in East London cited 'escalating tensions' and 'risk' to the community as reasons for not allowing a Chanukah menorah outside its town hall. In Virginia, a festival canceled a menorah lighting event, prompting rebuke from the governor and accusations of antisemitism. The ACLU is expected to address the issue as an example of religious bigotry, while Glenn Youngkin criticized the cancellation as 'absurd and antisemitic.' A public dispute between a rabbi and the organizer of a local arts and culture festival in Williamsburg, Virginia over a proposed menorah lighting also resulted in accusations of antisemitism.
A back-and-forth between a rabbi and the organizer of a local arts and culture festival in Williamsburg, Virginia over a proposed menorah lighting spilled into public view over the weekend, igniting accusations of antisemitism. https://t.co/U7CoDvjT3e
Glenn Youngkin blasts Virginia arts festival canceling Hanukkah celebration: 'Absurd and antisemitic' https://t.co/NYMFjXmcU9
Reported cancellation of Virginia menorah lighting draws rebuke from governor https://t.co/kVyZGheTeK . Click to read ⬇️
Dust-up over Virginia menorah lighting event spirals out of control. https://t.co/e2aBcnTZhl
I hope and trust that the @ACLU will be in court ASAP to address this disturbing example of religious bigotry. When misconduct like this is accepted, everyone pays a price. Virginia festival cancels Menorah lighting due to Israel-Hamas war https://t.co/nYkniol3CL
US festival sparks anger after axing menorah lighting to mark Chanukah due to Israel-Hamas war https://t.co/FAzWRIAgcj
Proving once again that anti-Zionism stems from antisemitism, the Havering Council in East London will not allow a Chanukah menorah to be erected outside its town hall for the 8 days of the holiday "in light of escalating tensions" & "risk" to the community. https://t.co/tZj7JTaEDZ