Protest calls for ceasefire and to stop U.S. military aid to Israel

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East have continued to rise in Providence.

A protest in front of the Textron building called for a ceasefire in Israel and for the U.S. to stop aiding Israel in its current war in Gaza.

“It is not just in Providence; it is happening across the United States and globally,” a protestor said. “People want to end the genocide, people want ceasefire, people want an end to the apartheid system and people want the end to U.S. aid to Israel.”

Protesters pinpointed the building because it is the home to the defense technologies company that, through the U.S. Department of Defense, provides military aid to Israel.

Police presence was high and the building was wrapped in plastic after multiple vandalism incidents on the Textron building last week.

“They are based here in Rhode Island, so we are doing our part here by having a say because the governor and the mayor are saying they stand with Israel – and clearly that is not true,” party for Socialism and Liberation organizer Andira Alves said.

There were also those who disagreed with the protest on the streets.

“Jews have been talking about this, when we are together, we look at each other and we say can’t believe this is going on. We feel like we are in 1938 Nazi Germany,” attorney and rabbi Jeffrey Gladstone said.

Textron released a statement that said, “Textron respects the right of people to engage in peaceful and lawful protest. We take pride in supporting the U.S. military and our U.S. allies with our technologies and products, following all laws and regulations related to foreign military sales.”