Providence voters approve ballot measure that could lead to divestment from Israel

Voters in Providence, Rhode Island approved a ballot measure on November 3, 2026 that could lead to city divestment from Israel. With 81 of 82 precincts partially reported, 75% voted in favor. The ordinance bars investment in countries engaged in ethnic cleansing, apartheid, illegal military occupation, or genocide, without naming Israel.

Voters in Providence, Rhode Island have approved a ballot measure that could lead the city to divest public funds from Israel, marking a significant win for the Israel boycott movement. With 81 of 82 polling locations partially reported, the Rhode Island Board of Elections tallies 75% voting to approve versus 25% rejecting. The ordinance calls for the capital city to refrain from investing in foreign countries conducting ethnic cleansing, apartheid, illegal military occupation, or genocide. Though Israel is not named, the measure was heavily supported by local pro-Palestinian groups and opposed by some Jewish and pro-Israel groups. A representative for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island previously told JTA the group would explore legal options to challenge the measure. Providence is the largest US municipality to vote in favor of Israel divestment, following Somerville, Massachusetts last year. The city is home to an estimated 15,000 Jews, about 7% of its population. Progressive Jewish groups including Jewish Voice for Peace were among the advocates. Mayor Brett Smiley, a pro-Israel progressive who converted to Judaism, lost his primary to a democratic socialist, seen as an early indicator of the divestment vote's direction.