Voters in several Vermont cities and towns, including Brattleboro, Montpelier, Newfane, Thetford, Vergennes, Weybridge, and Winooski, were presented with non-binding resolutions on their Town Meeting Day ballots to become “apartheid-free communities.” The resolutions aimed to affirm equality for the Palestinian people and call for an end to Israel’s “settler colonialism and military occupation.” Supporters believe that U.S. tax dollars should not fund Israel’s operations in Gaza, while opponents argue that the resolutions promote anti-Semitism and divert attention from local issues.
The Vermont Coalition for Palestinian Liberation advocated for the resolutions, stating that resources should be focused on community needs such as flood relief, housing, education, and healthcare. However, the Shalom Alliance and other opponents expressed concerns about potentially making Jewish neighbors feel unsafe and harming the local economy.
Thetford became the first U.S. community to pass the resolution, while Vergennes and Montpelier voted against it. In Winooski, residents voted in favor of the resolution. The Burlington City Council decided not to include the issue on the 2025 Town Meeting Day ballot.
Overall, the resolutions sparked debate and divided opinions among Vermont voters, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding international issues and local priorities.
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