Ballot question aimed at Israel will ask Providence voters to divest city funds

Providence voters will consider a ballot question in November aimed at divesting city funds from foreign countries and companies involved in human rights violations, a measure primarily targeting Israel. The Providence for Palestine Coalition gathered over 5,800 verified signatures to place the question, which does not explicitly name Israel but refers to "ethnic cleansing, apartheid, illegal military occupation, or genocide." Zack Kligler, an organizer, stated, "We believe that the people of Providence want to see an end to genocide in Gaza."

• City Treasurer Shomari Husband called the proposal "impossible" to implement due to its broad scope and impact on the city's $650 million pension fund.
• Mayor Brett Smiley opposes the measure, citing legal opinions that it is "unenforceable" and could violate state law and the city's Home Rule Charter.
• City Council President Rachel Miller supports the ballot question, stating, "Providence should not be investing public funds in governments committing war crimes."
• The Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island opposes the ordinance, arguing it "does nothing to advance meaningful peace, security, or coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians."