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… 
@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