JVCT Statement re Candidate Forum

A Statement from Jewish Communities of Vermont

The leadership and staff of Jewish Communities of Vermont were deeply disturbed by the exchange at the July 9 South Burlington Democratic candidates forum in which State Senate candidate Joanna Grossman was publicly accused of being "a leader in promoting genocide."

Criticism of the Israeli government, its policies, and the war in Gaza is legitimate and necessary in a democracy. What is not legitimate is singling out a Jewish candidate and accusing her of personally promoting genocide. For many Jews, this reflects a familiar and painful pattern: holding an individual Jew responsible for the actions of the State of Israel because of their identity or presumed beliefs. That is an antisemitic trope, and it has no place in Vermont's civic life.

Equally troubling was the absence of any clear acknowledgment that this accusation had crossed a line. When rhetoric that many Jews experience as antisemitic passes without challenge, it sends a message that Jewish participants in public life may be expected to absorb such attacks as simply part of the conversation. That should concern all Vermonters, regardless of their politics or views on the Middle East.

This statement is not an endorsement of any candidate or political position. It is an affirmation that Jewish Vermonters deserve to participate fully in civic life without being singled out because they are Jewish or because of their relationship to Israel.

At Jewish Communities of Vermont, our response is not to retreat from public life but to strengthen Jewish life. We remain committed to building a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive Jewish community where people can celebrate, learn, ask difficult questions, support one another, and engage thoughtfully across differences.

If recent events have left you feeling unsettled or simply looking for community, we invite you to join us at one of the many Jewish gatherings taking place across Vermont this summer. Whether at the beach, on a farm, at a concert, a discussion, or a community celebration, Jewish life grows stronger when we show up for one, and with, another. We hope you'll join us.