Rhode Island Palestine Day
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Background: The inaugural (1st annual) Rhode Island Palestine Day was held on October 26, 2024, at the Islamic Center of Rhode Island (Masjid Al-Kareem) in Providence.
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3rd Annual Event: The 3rd Annual RI Palestine Day takes place in October 2026. Local community organizations and activist groups in Providence host community gatherings, cultural performances, and speeches to mark the occasion. Jews are not allowed to attend.
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What Question 7 Proposes
Question 7 asks Providence voters whether the city should adopt an ordinance requiring municipal funds to be divested from foreign countries and corporate entities tied to human rights violations, including genocide, war crimes, illegal military occupation, or apartheid.
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A “Yes” Vote: Supports passing the municipal ordinance to bar the city from holding or placing investments in countries or companies complicit in specified severe human rights violations.
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A “No” Vote: Opposes passing the ordinance, maintaining current city investment policies.
Overview of Perspectives
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Supporters: Organized by local campaign groups (including Providence for Palestine, Reclaim RI, and local advocates), supporters argue that city tax dollars and municipal funds should not finance or profit from human rights abuses abroad, emphasizing ethical investment and public accountability.
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Opponents & Critics: Opponents (including civic organizations such as the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island) and city administration officials express concerns regarding legal enforceability, implementation complexity, potential impacts on municipal pensions, and political divisiveness.
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