Bradford, Vermont passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on March 5, 2024 at their Town Meeting Day. They then sent the following letter to President Biden on April 11, 2024:

April 11th  2024

President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Biden,

We, the undersigned elected officials of Bradford, Vermont, a town of 2790 people, as a result of a vote at our annual Town Meeting, implore you to take immediate action to demand a permanent ceasefire in the Israeli government’s military campaign in Gaza, to conditionally halt any further arms sales or military aid to the Israeli government, and to use diplomatic means to urge all parties to cease hostilities and talk peace. The ongoing violence has resulted in catastrophic loss of life, widespread displacement, and the destruction of vital infrastructure, leaving countless innocent civilians in dire and desperate circumstances.

As representatives entrusted with the well-being and concerns of our constituents, we will not remain silent in the face of such egregious violations of human rights and international law. The United States must use its influence to bring about an immediate end to the bloodshed and to work tirelessly toward a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.

The attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas on October 7th was horrendous, abhorrent, and reprehensible. The hostages still held by Hamas must be immediately returned to their loved ones.

In the time since that attack, the Israeli government’s response has developed to an alarming and disproportionate level. We are deeply troubled by the escalating violence and the impact it is having on civilians, young and old. The trauma and poverty being inflicted on the entire civilian population of the region is unacceptable. We cannot stand idly by while civilian lives are lost and communities are destroyed. Israel has a right to self-defense, and we stand with observers worldwide who are concerned that the impact on civilians is punitive and far in excess of military objectives.

We recognize the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the profoundly entrenched grievances. We also firmly believe that the current path of violence and destruction will only lead to further suffering and despair. Now is the time for bold leadership and decisive action to break the cycle of violence and to create the conditions for a meaningful and lasting peace.

We stand ready to support efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to work toward a future where all people in the region can live safely, with security, and in dignity.

Sincerely,

Bradford, Vermont Selectboard Members