Providence voters to decide Israel-linked divestment measure in November referendum

Providence, Rhode Island voters will decide in November on a referendum barring city investment in foreign countries engaged in ethnic cleansing, apartheid, illegal military occupation, or genocide. The ballot language does not name Israel, but the campaign is led by pro-Palestinian activists and framed as a test of the BDS movement. Supporters cite a 2006 Sudan divestment precedent; opponents warn of community division and antisemitism.

Providence, Rhode Island voters will decide in a November referendum whether the city should refrain from investing in foreign countries engaged in ethnic cleansing, apartheid, illegal military occupation, or genocide. The ballot language does not name Israel, but the campaign is led by the activist coalition Providence for Palestine and is widely viewed as a referendum on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Organizer Zack Kliger of Jewish Voice for Peace said the campaign has been disproportionately led by Jewish organizers. Supporters note Providence joined a 2006 divestment initiative against Sudan. Opponents, including the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, argue the measure stokes division and could make Jewish residents feel unsafe. The initiative would mandate city action, unlike a non-binding measure that passed in Somerville, Massachusetts last year. Activists identified around $2.5 million in city funds that would be affected.