BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It was a heated scene inside of Burlington’s city council meeting Monday night. The gathering was a special meeting discussing a formal pledge from the city calling for justice in Palestine.
More than 1,500 Burlington residents signed on in support of putting an advisory question on the town meeting day ballot that supports Palestine, but also condemns support to Israel. The resolution opposes all forms of racism, and an end to what the petitioners call ‘Israel’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation.’
“The Zionists claim the referendum is racist, that is false, it explicitly opposes antisemitism as well as all forms of racism… The Zionists claim that this is not a local issue, that is false, Vermont tax payers send nearly $6 million a year to the state of Israel,” said Burlington resident Ashley Smith.
Councilors who sponsored the proposed charter are also calling for an end to all support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. It comes after last year’s split 6 to 6 council vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. That measure originally started simply as a resolution condemning the Thanksgiving shootings of three college students of Palestinian descent on North Prospect Street.
Community members in attendance spoke out on both sides of the issue, those in favor saying Burlington citizens deserve the opportunity to weigh in.
“I’m here tonight as a Jewish-American to ask that you not block the Apartheid-free pledge from going on the ballot. Our collective safety is bound up together,” said resident Britta Fisher.
While those opposed, claiming the question is antisemitic in nature. “This ballot item makes many Jewish people feel unwelcomed and afraid in Burlington, asking town residents to vote on whether to condemn the state of Israel, where half of the world’s Jews live, will lead to a rise in antisemitism here in Burlington,” said Rabbi Aaron Philmus of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue.
“This resolution would bring no benefits to the Burlington City, stick to championing for the people of Burlington, stay away from matters outside your jurisdiction. This resolution will not bring peace, it will bring division into this city,” said resident Josephina Leit.
