We were deeply dismayed to learn about the Vergennes City Council’s decision to include Article 7 on the upcoming March 4 ballot. Like Mayor Chris Bearor, Deputy Mayor Dickie Austin, and many state representatives, we believe that the City of Vergennes should refrain from taking official stances on foreign affairs.

This referendum would be the first of its kind in our city’s very long history and it raises the question: Why does this Middle Eastern conflict deserve special attention over other global crises, such as the Taliban’s actions, China’s treatment of the Uyghurs, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the ongoing suffering in Sudan and Somalia?

City Attorney Ed Adrian advised that the Council was not required to place this referendum on the ballot since it is “not related to the welfare of the city.”

Assuming that this community could speak with one voice on such a divisive issue risks undermining Vergennes’ own admirable and comprehensive Declaration on Inclusion which promotes respect and inclusion for all its people.

We are greatly concerned that hate-filled antisemitic activity has dramatically increased throughout Vermont and our country in the past decade. We have personally experienced its impact.

We must also address the misleading and incendiary misinformation contained in Article 7 that you are being asked to vote on:

• Israel is a vibrant democracy, not an apartheid state. Over 2 million Palestinian Israeli citizens live in Israel and are integrated into its legislative, economic, social, and legal systems.

• The current war began with a violent Hamas attack, raping, murdering, and mutilating over 1,200 Israeli mothers, fathers, babies, and children and taking 250 hostages. Israel’s response has been one of self-defense, not genocide.

• Israel is a legitimate state, created by the United Nations in 1947, and not a colonial settler state.

The people of the Middle East have faced enormous suffering and oppression in their complex and often times tortuous histories. This most recent conflict is being waged by leaders who have not served their people well. We grieve the loss of so many lives and all the destruction that has occurred. We therefore hope the recent ceasefire will, this time, bring peace. We fully acknowledge and support individuals’ and organizations’ rights to advocate for global issues, but not under the auspices of city government.

We are both proud “daughters” of Vergennes, having been born and raised there. We are granddaughters, daughters, nieces and cousins of former City Council members! Max Fishman, our grandfather, immigrated alone as a teenager to escape the Russian massacre of the Jews (pogroms) in 1905. Vergennes was the place that gave him and his family the opportunity to survive, thrive, and give back to their community. Vergennes values and our family values of respect for all people have guided us throughout our lives. We have remained close to our roots all these years with memory-filled visits, attending school reunions and cherishing childhood friends.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration on this critical matter. We urge you to vote “NO” on Article 7 at the Annual City Meeting on Tuesday, March 4.

Dorothy C. Fishman, North Kingston, R.I.

Audrey Fishman Franklin, Boulder, Colo.