Ohio Jewish Caucus Calls on Vivek Ramaswamy to Renounce Pastor's Antisemitic Comments

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Jewish Caucus today released a statement calling on gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to renounce comments from Liberty Valley Church Pastor Jeff Tauring describing modern Judaism as “fake.” Ramaswamy has appeared twice at the Northfield church, most recently in May alongside Tauring for a campaign event focused on “The Future of Religious Liberty.”

“Jeff Tauring has also compared COVID-era public health measures to Nazi Germany,” said the Ohio Jewish Caucus. “In 2021, members of Liberty Valley Church participated in a demonstration outside the home of then-State Representative Casey Weinstein, who is Jewish. Taken together, this history makes Ramaswamy’s repeated appearances at the church and his decision to share a platform with Tauring deeply concerning. Vivek Ramaswamy should unequivocally reject Tauring’s comments disparaging modern Judaism and make clear that antisemitism has no place in Ohio. He should not remain silent when a pastor he has chosen to stand alongside publicly disparages the Jewish faith.”

The Ohio Jewish Caucus will continue to stand against antisemitism, hate, and intimidation wherever they appear. Ohio’s Jewish community deserves leaders who will speak clearly and stand up when our faith and our community are targeted.

The Ohio Jewish Caucus is proudly represented by House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati), Reps. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna), Christine Cockley (D-Columbus), Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood), Karen Brownlee (D-Symmes Township) and Senator Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson).