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.

We oppose the Apartheid Free Community (AFC) pledge for its contribution to division, misinformation, and increased hostility within our communities. While it claims to stand against racism and oppression, in practice it has created an environment where Jewish individuals and institutions are unfairly targeted. Across Vermont, we have seen a rise in rhetoric and actions that marginalize Jewish voices under the guise of advocacy. The pledge lacks legal standing and promotes one-sided narratives that do not reflect the complexity of the Israel-Palestine issue. For these reasons, it is misleading, non-binding and harmful to community cohesion. 

In the year Two Thousand Twenty-Six,

WHEREAS, the State of Vermont includes a wide diversity of residents who come from many different backgrounds, religions, ethnic heritages, and regions across the United States and the world; and

WHEREAS, Vermont seeks to support all residents and ensure that everyone feels safe and secure within our communities; and

WHEREAS, Israelis and Palestinians alike are entitled to live in safety, with dignity, freedom, equality, self-determination, and the opportunity to thrive; and

Hello neighbors, friends and family,

I’m reaching out to you as my trusted community.

This Tuesday March 3rd, 2026, is Vermont’s Annual Town Meeting Day. Many towns will be voting on an Apartheid Free Community (AFC) pledge. Their end goal is to have Vermont codify a statewide Boycott Divest and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, a boycott movement that has been recognized as discriminatory and racist and 38 of our 50 states have enacted laws, resolutions and executive orders in to discourage or penalize BDS.