August 4, 2025

Shalom Chaverim,

In these challenging times, when tensions run high and acts of antisemitism are on the rise, it can be easy to feel isolated or discouraged. That is why we are sharing a story from Woodstock, Vermont, a story that serves as a powerful beacon of hope and provides a tangible model for how we, as a community, can confront hate with unity and action.

This past Saturday evening, a candlelight vigil was organized in Woodstock to recognize the humanitarian crisis facing children in Gaza. The organizer centered the event on a shared human value, the children of Gaza, and fostered a quiet, reflective atmosphere. The diverse group of about 80 attendees included a dozen members of our Jewish community, local Christian clergy, and many other neighbors.

Following a silent walk, Rabbi Haigh was invited to speak. She held all the complexities of the moment with grace. She began by speaking to the core concerns of our Jewish community: the plight of the hostages and the sanctity of the State of Israel. She then affirmed the group’s shared, communal concern for the children of Gaza before addressing the attack on their own sacred space.

She shared that Shir Shalom had been vandalized with “Free Palestine” painted on its fence within the past 12 hours. She took a moment to thank the vigil’s organizer for her concern and support. Rabbi Haigh projected resilience, declaring that the “congregation is strong.” The organizers of the vigil had decided earlier in the day to invite all who attended to join Shir Shalom in cleaning off the vandalism. With deep commitment and grace, the organizer of the vigil invited every person present, Jews and non-Jews alike, to immediately go to Shir Shalom and erase the graffiti.

The response was profound. Dozens of people went directly to the synagogue. Shoulder to shoulder, they worked to erase the graffiti.

This story offers a vital lesson for every community in Vermont:

1.     Lead with Shared Values: The evening began with a universal concern, the welfare of children, creating a foundation of trust and common ground.

2.     Respond to Hate with Inclusive Action: When faced with an act of antisemitism, Rabbi Haigh didn’t just condemn it; she was blessed with partners in the community who took tangible, supportive action. The rabbi invited people in rather than pushing them away.

3.     Action Heals: The collective act of repairing the damage transformed attendees from passive observers into active participants in the healing process.

We would like to join the Shir Shalom Jewish community in thanking the organizers, the local police and the village municipal leadership, the town clergy, as well as our neighbors who all stepped in to pursue hope and justice rather than hate.

The events in Woodstock are a testament to the power of local relationships, courageous leadership, and the fundamental decency of our neighbors. It is a model we can all learn from.

Let us all draw strength and inspiration from this example.

B’shalom (In Peace),

The Shalom Alliance Team