Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement on Upcoming City Council Resolution
Burlington, VT – Tonight, the Burlington City Council will deliberate on a Resolution “Calling For Justice And Peaceful End To Palestine And Israel Conflict”. Mayor Miro Weinberger made the following statement:
“While I support efforts to advance full equality and human rights for all and am deeply troubled by the current status of Israeli-Palestinian relations, I cannot support the Resolution that has been submitted to the City Council for action tonight. Specifically, I oppose the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement that seeks to weaken and delegitimize an important and long-standing partner of the United States, the democratic State of Israel. Further, I find the Resolution as it is written to be an inappropriate and counterproductive declaration for our local legislative body, and find it very unfortunate that the sponsors have brought it forward during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiest days of the year for our Jewish residents who are engaged in worship and acts of charity. I urge the Council to reject this Resolution outright and make clear that Burlington does not support the divisive BDS movement. If instead, the City Council wants to pass a resolution that espouses the shared values of our Burlington community, including peace, security, and a positive economic environment for the region, then it should begin with a fresh effort.”
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