To: Our Elected Officials
Fr: Vermont Friends of Israel
Re: Urgent Information Regarding the Rise of Antisemitism and the Impact of Exclusionary Pledges in Vermont
We are writing to share critical information regarding the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in Vermont.
In December 2025, the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism released its Final Report. This commission—the first of its kind in the nation—documented a disturbing and “normalized” rise in antisemitism across New England, including Vermont. We have included a summary of their findings, specifically focusing on the danger posed by local Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns and “Apartheid-Free Community” (AFC) pledges.
The Rise of BDS in Vermont Municipalities: The regional Commission report identifies the BDS movement as a primary driver of a hostile climate for Jewish communities throughout New England, including Vermont. While framed as a human rights initiative, local BDS and "anti-apartheid" efforts create immediate harm:
Targeting of Local Institutions: these campaigns have expanded beyond the state level to target local high schools, small businesses, and community organizations. Vermont's close-knit communities are particularly vulnerable to this kind of targeted exclusion.
A Litmus Test for Inclusion: By demanding that a city or school board "sever ties" with any entity associated with Israel, these movements create a discriminatory "litmus test" that effectively excludes Jewish residents for whom connection to Israel is central to their identity.
The Rise of the "Apartheid-Free" Pledge: The "Apartheid-Free" pledge is a specific tactic used by the BDS movement to create "Zionist-free zones" in local neighborhoods.
Normalization of Exclusion: It encourages local boards and schools to view the Jewish state—and by extension, the Jewish community—as a pariah, leading to the harassment of students and families in our public schools.
Fueling Hostility: Data from the 2025 Commission shows that where BDS activity is high, antisemitic incidents (including vandalism and physical assault) increase proportionately.
Questionable legality of AFC: Many legal experts argue that boycotting Israel is a form of national-origin discrimination. By rejecting these pledges, legislators protect the state from violating civil rights frameworks that forbid disparate treatment based on origin or religion. Thirty-eight states already have some form of law banning or restricting these boycott campaigns.
Our Request: Elected officials have a moral and legal duty to ensure that local policies do not facilitate discrimination. We ask that you:
Reject Apartheid Free Communities (AFC) pledges: Oppose any measures that seek to single out, boycott or divest from the only Jewish state, recognizing that these actions isolate your Jewish constituents.
Commit to Inclusion: Ensure that town "Equity and Inclusion” frameworks specifically include the Jewish experience and the unique nature of contemporary antizionism and antisemitism.
The Jewish community is a vital part of the Vermont story. We look forward to working with you to ensure our community remains a safe and inclusive place for all.
The Danger of Local Apartheid Free Communities Pledges
The 2025 report highlights that "anti-Zionist" rhetoric and campaigns frequently cross the line into antisemitic harassment and exclusion.
Academic Boycotts: The report specifically condemns efforts to exclude individuals associated with "Israeli institutions," citing precedents in New England universities, as a dangerous precedent that violates academic freedom.
Discriminatory Litmus Tests: "Apartheid-Free" pledges often create a climate where Jewish residents and students must renounce their connection to Israel—a core part of Jewish identity for over 80% of the community—to participate in local civic life.
The "Pipeline to Violence": Data shows that municipalities with high levels of antizionist activity often see a corresponding spike in localized antisemitic vandalism and physical intimidation.
The "3D" Test for Recognizing Antisemitism
Demonization - When Israel is portrayed as the personification of evil.
Delegitimization - When Israel’s fundamental right to exist is denied.
Double Standards - When Israel is the only country criticized for behaviors standard among nations engaged in defensive wars.
For support from local Vermont organizations or questions, please refer to: