Providence voters approve ballot initiative that could lead to divestment from Israel
The vote makes Providence the largest municipality yet to vote in favor of some form of Israel divestment, following the lead of Somerville, Massachusetts.
In a significant outcome for the Israel boycott movement, Providence, Rhode Island's voters have endorsed a ballot measure that may lead to the city divesting public funds from Israel, according to local news outlets. With 75% voting in favor and 25% against, the measure has secured approval. The ordinance prohibits investing in nations engaged in ethnic cleansing, apartheid, illegal military occupation, or genocide, although it does not explicitly name Israel.
The measure gained strong support from pro-Palestinian groups and faced opposition from some Jewish and pro-Israel constituents. The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, a local pro-Israel organization, stated they would examine legal avenues to contest the ballot measure should it pass. This vote makes Providence the largest city to endorse some form of Israel divestment, following Somerville, Massachusetts, which approved a nonbinding measure last year.
Home to approximately 15,000 Jews, or around 7% of its population, Providence witnessed the election of a pro-Israel progressive as mayor who lost his primary to a democratic socialist, signaling the likely direction of the divestment vote. Activist initiatives to challenge US financial assistance to Israel have gained momentum since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the subsequent Gaza conflict.
Recently, US President Donald Trump, who viewed aid to Israel as a political risk, announced the U.S. would cease nearly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by year's end.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
