News

Dear JCOGS members,

This Monday night, September 13, the Burlington city council will be voting on

a pro-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions resolution.  The resolution also calls

for an end to U.S. security assistance to Israel, our only democratic ally in the Middle East.

The rabbis of the four Burlington congregations strongly oppose the resolution.  With Rabbi David’s support, the JCOGS board unanimously voted to stand in solidarity with the Burlington Jewish community.  We understand and respect that our community members hold a wide range of views concerning Israel.  However, discussion and positions regarding Israel do not belong at the Burlington city council.  The proposed resolution is not being presented in the interest of knowledge or respectful sharing.  The language and tone of this resolution seek to delegitimize Israel.

You can read the proposed resolution here.Please read the thoughtfully crafted words of these four Burlington rabbis.

Actions you can take immediately:

1. Sign this petition from the Jewish Communities of Vermont in opposition
   to the resolution.
2. Send an email to the Burlington city council and urge them to vote NO on this harmful and divisive resolution. We need to send as many emails as possible, so forward this information to other Vermonters. You can email all 12 City Councilors at once at citycouncil@burlingtonvt.gov.

Please show your solidarity and join the JCOGS board and Rabbi David in opposing this resolution.

L’shana tova, to a happy, healthy, and peaceful new year,

Rabbi David Fainsilber
Steve Levine, president