by Guy Page
A petition is underway to support Burlington’s four synagogues’ strong opposition to the pro-Boycott/Divest/Sanction (BDS) resolution to be considered September 13 by the Burlington City Council meeting.
The resolution calls for the “ending the military occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Separation Wall; recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties.”
“This resolution is misleading, supports the BDS movement, desires to delegitimize Israel, and will result in further divisiveness in our community, on our campuses and throughout Vermont,” says the petition begun by Jewish Communities of Vermont (JCVT).
According to JCVT, among fellow opponents of BDS is Sen. Bernie Sanders. “No, I’m not a supporter of that [BDS]. I think our job as a nation is to do everything humanly possible to bring Israel and the Palestinians and the entire Middle East — to the degree that we can — together,” Sanders reportedly said.
Jewish student leaders at UVM say elsewhere, successful BDS resolutions are linked with anti-Semitic incidents.
“We are deeply concerned that, should this resolution pass, it will threaten the ability for Jewish students to practice Judaism on the UVM campus. Furthermore, studies show a correlation between successfully passed BDS resolutions and anti-Semitic incidents,” said Avi Zatz, student at University of Vermont and leader at UVM Hillel.
The petition is posted on change.org and may be signed by anyone.
According to the organization’s online mission statement, Jewish Communities of Vermont develops connections to promote a vision of “One Jewish Vermont.” The Jewish community in Vermont offers a model of harmonious, pluralistic, inclusive, and welcoming Jewish life, finding connections, valuing diversity, inspiring identity, and expanding understanding.The purpose of JCVT is to share, celebrate, and support Jewish life, in all its forms, in Vermont. JCVT weaves together the statewide community–creating connections, promoting common ground, celebrating stories, and supporting organizational enhancement.