August 27, 2025

Shalom Chaverim,

Following our recent breakthrough meeting with Vermont's education leaders, we are writing to share more positive news in our collective effort to combat antisemitism. Your stories and advocacy are creating momentum, and that momentum is growing.

We recently had the opportunity to hold productive and powerful meetings with Senator Peter Welch and Representative Becca Balint to discuss the rise of antisemitism in our schools and communities.

In our conversations with both Senator Welch and Representative Balint, we shared the deeply concerning testimonies from students, parents, and teachers across Vermont. We detailed the real-world impact of swastikas in hallways, antisemitic rhetoric, and curricula that exclude or misrepresent Jewish voices.

Both of our federal representatives listened intently and expressed their strong commitment to supporting the Jewish community. The discussions were focused on actionable solutions, including:

Leveraging federal resources to enhance security at our schools and community centers.

Supporting federal initiatives to ensure antisemitism is properly defined and addressed in educational settings.

Advocating for inclusive curricula that accurately reflect Jewish history and the modern experience of antisemitism.

The on-going commitment from Senator Welch and Representative Balint is a major step forward. It ensures that our local work is supported and amplified at the federal level.

While we are encouraged by this progress, we know the work is far from over. The fear and intimidation our students face are real, and we must continue pushing for concrete curriculum reform and the unequivocal recognition of Jewish students' rights to safety and belonging.

Together, we are making progress. Together, we will ensure that Vermont schools stand firmly against antisemitism.

B'shalom,

The Shalom Alliance Team