Palestinian flag raised at Providence City Hall, sparks protest and national attention

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Palestinian flag was raised above Providence City Hall on Friday, drawing protest, political disagreement, and national attention.

We were on site shortly before noon as City Council President Rachel Miller and Councilor Miguel Sanchez led the ceremony, saying it was organized in collaboration with members of the local Palestinian community to mark Nakba Day—a day Palestinians observe in remembrance of the displacement that followed the founding of Israel in 1948.

The event was met with a counter protest organized by the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel, with demonstrators gathering on the steps of City Hall. The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island also issued a statement condemning the flag’s display, calling it “a political symbol used to divide our city.”

Mayor Brett Smiley, who had just returned from a trip to Israel earlier this week, said his office was not involved in the decision. In a statement, he noted that the City Council, as an independent branch of government, has the right to express its own views. He added that he did not consult the council when he raised the Israeli flag earlier this month to mark a Jewish holiday.

This marks the first time the Palestinian flag has flown over City Hall in Providence’s history. City officials are expected to make further statements later today.