A Hardwick resident is calling on the town to repeal a four-part resolution passed at the March town meeting, arguing that the language is divisive and fails to address the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Tom Dekornfeld, who splits his time between Annapolis, Maryland, and Hardwick, wrote an opinion piece published June 30 in the Hardwick Gazette. He said he felt "deeply betrayed" by the resolution, particularly part four, which pledges to "join others in working to end all support to Israel's apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation."
"When the town adopts language like 'apartheid regime' and 'settler colonialism,' terms that carry enormous weight and are fiercely contested even by scholars of the subject, it doesn't feel like a humanitarian stand," Dekornfeld wrote. He said the language sends a message that some residents "have to prove their loyalty."
Dekornfeld acknowledged that his perspective is shaped by having relatives and friends in Israel. He said he believes "Bibi needs to go" but argued that the resolution is unlikely to effect change internationally while causing discord locally. He urged its repeal "at the first opportunity."
The resolution was approved at Hardwick's March town meeting. Town police have not indicated whether a repeal effort is planned.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: David Trinks via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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