Palestinian flag raised at Providence City Hall, draws counter protests

Christopher Boardman, Ryan Medeiros,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Tensions are high in downtown Providence Friday after the city council president decided to raise the Palestinian flag above city hall.

Both the mayor and some members of the city council have said they disagree with the decision.

A counter protest has been formed at city hall by the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island has weighed in as well, saying it “opposes the display of the flag as a political symbol used to divide our city.”

City councilors behind the flag raising said the idea formed when they were approached by members of the local Palestinian community.

City Council President Rachel Miller and Councilor Miguel Sanchez are both speaking Friday.

Mayor Brett Smiley said his office does not have the authority to prevent a separate, independent branch of government from expressing differing views, noting that he did not consult the council when he flew the Israeli flag several weeks ago.

Smiley was flying the Israeli flag to celebrate a Jewish holiday, the difference here that’s upsetting the Jewish alliance is this flag raising coincides with Nakba Day, translated to “catastrophe.”

The day commemorates what some Palestinians view as a tragedy associated with the founding of the state of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians.

Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island

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