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By Michael Bielawski
The Burlington City Council for the second time this year has decided it will not formally take sides in the multi-generational Israeli/Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. Those who opposed the measure again cited that it would divide their community.
“Apartheid-free community”
The statement implied that the nation of Israel is engaged in genocide and seeks to have Burlington put out a formal statement implying such via a public referendum that would have been for the next 2025 Town Meeting Day.
A portion of the statement said, “We declare ourselves an apartheid-free community, and to that end, we pledge to join others in working to end all support to Isreal’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation.”
It also says, “We oppose all forms of racism, bigotry, discrimination, and oppression.”
The whole statement with signatures can be downloaded from Monday’s City Council agenda.
A predetermined outcome?
The Democrat Party Caucus had put out a statement last week indicating that this measure had already been before the city this year and it was widely observed as divisive for the city.
A portion of their statement reads, “Concerns around dividing our Burlington community remain the same today as they did 11 months ago and, in many respects, have worsened. Of particular concern has been an increase of antisemitism and Islamophobic activity in our schools. By submitting an identical ballot question for the Council’s consideration, the petitioners have done nothing to address these legitimate concerns.”
Public responds
Before and after the meeting the public has weighed in on the matter, including some who were critical of this effort. Rachel Feldman, a former staffer for the governor and outspoken critic of numerous allegations by the Pro-Palestinian groups, was among the first to comment on X.
She asserts that it will be divisive for the community.
She wrote, “‘Let’s take a stand against a fictional apartheid by dividing our own community.’ OK Burlington, that’s a brilliant idea… 
May the City Council keep this hate-fueled item off the ballot.”
@DiverStair suggesting locals focus on local efforts. They wrote, “Why is there a ballot on this? It means nothing outside the mind of one living in an illusion. Focus on Vets in VT.”
And @markc8914 wrote, “Enough, I propose we make Burlington it’s own communist country, totally separated from the rest of Vermont. Burlington is a pox on this great state.”
One City Councilor, Councilor Gene Bergman, P-Ward 2, has already expressed disappointment with Monday’s outcome. He cites those who signed onto this effort.
“2,000 verified voters ask for an issue to be brought to a community vote,” he said to the media.
Not the first time
This is not the first time that this proposal has been put before Burlington. In January there was another similar measure that was also halted via a party line (Democrats and Progressives) tie vote.
Then there were also derogatory claims about Israel.
“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 taxpayers send nearly $6 million a year to the state of Israel,” said Burlington resident Ashley Smith to WCAX.
The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle
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Categories: Burlington
Excellent article, Michael. Apartheid free community? Really? This Antifah-like Marxist activism is a “tempest-in-a-teapot.” Where were they after August 21, 2013 when Syria’s then president Bashar Assad had the army use sarin gas to put down thousands of civilians. These people never attack Islam-based causes and they turned on Israel after October 7th to defend Hamas—simple people who believe its all about aggressors and victims with no gray areas.
Wow, an internal clash between the ultra left and the loony left! Must be frustrating that they don’t have any Republicans in BTV left to hate!
Wow, a ” Apartheid-Free Community” Where does Burlington get the people, when you think the left is crazy, this kind of nonsense nails it.
With the condition of the city with crime, drugs, and homelessness all over the place,
this is what the DEI Mayor and her gaggle of fools put front & center, how many times has this nonsense have to be stopped ” voted down “, the city has issues, and the apartheid nonsense is just that……..nonsense !!
Obviously, Burlington’s city council has no pressing local issues to contend with-
or more likely these people have not the cerebral bandwidth to address the issues they created in the city they claim to represent.
Perhaps Halnon’s razor best explains the current city council.
If it were the 1930’s and 1940’s, I wonder if these same folks (hypothetically) would have called for a referendum in Burlington to condemn the Jewish resistance to the Nazis in several European countries after Kristallnacht, the Warsaw uprising, and footage of Auschwitz?
Or is it simply the demonically-inspired Islamist butchers in particular for whom they feel compelled to offer sympathy and support, stupefied by their selective amnesia of what was done on October 7th?
More evidence that some Burlingtonians have delusions of grandeur. Have some humility and address the public safety issues in Burlington.
Question remains, will they go so far as to fully divest and refuse PAC donations from said State, affiliated organizations, and enablers? Better check in with Peter, Peter Inside Stock Trader and AIPAC handlers before inserting foot into mouth or inadvertently biting the hands that feed thy coffers, biolabs, weapon selling, and such.
By the way, rumblings of a documentary with leaked footage of Bibi’s testimony in an ongoing corruption case. Seems it’s being throttled and banned in the chosen State. All who worked on it or releasing it to the masses are threatened with jail and all sorts of lawfare warfare tactics including blocking or withholding funds. Interesting, seems that sort of stuff goes on all over the globe when the Masters don’t want the Truth getting out – playbook known?
Apartheid-free Burlington? Try wearing a MAGA hat on Church St and you will see apartheid in it’s full splendor.