In rural Vermont, a conflict unfolding thousands of miles away has left its mark on a local storefront, exposing tensions over Israel, Gaza and the increasingly difficult question of where political criticism ends and antisemitism begins.
Security cameras outside Denise Gebroe’s gym in Proctorsville captured a man spray painting “Free Palestine” and profanity over Israeli flags displayed outside the business.
“A lot of people were scared. Neighbors, right down the street that wanted the profanity taken down immediately,” Gebroe said. “Turned out to be a 25-year-old man that works in the next town over.”
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The vandalism came as debates over Israel, Gaza and Palestinian rights reached Vermont town halls. Several communities have recently passed Apartheid Free Communities resolutions criticizing Israeli policy and urging local institutions to reconsider their ties.
Zoe Jannuzi of the American Friends Service Committee said the local efforts showed that the issue extends beyond major cities and college campuses.
“It really showed the success of this campaign and the success of organizers in Vermont in proving that Palestine is a local issue,” Jannuzi said.
Supporters say the resolutions criticize the policies and actions of the Israeli government rather than Jewish people. Some Jewish residents, however, say the campaigns have contributed to an atmosphere in which they feel demonized and unwelcome in their own communities.
“They are demonizing us,” said Mark Treinkman of Vermont Friends of Israel.
For some Jewish residents, the debate has moved beyond politics and become a question of personal safety.
“When you believe you are against someone who is a literal Nazi or kills children or wants genocide or ethnic cleansing or believes in apartheid, it gives you permission to take matters into your own hands,” Treinkman said.
The tension has raised a difficult question about where criticism of Israel or Zionism ends and antisemitism begins.
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