A Flag Policy for Providence City Hall set by Mayor Smiley, who speaks on Antisemitism, DC murders

Mayor Smiley promised to develop a policy on what flags could fly over Providence City Hall, a public building, which comes under the state laws of Rhode Island. Those laws prohibit flags other than the US, Rhode Island and city flag from being flown. However, in a dynamic and divisive action a few weeks ago, 2 Palestinian, anti-Israel supporters and 2 Providence City Council members requested flying the Palestinian flag over City Hall, and permission was given because there was no solid, local policy.

A back and forth demonstration between pro-Palestine supporters and pro-Israel supporters ensured for several hours on the narrow sidewalk area, with more police and security in attendance than demonstrators.

But – on Friday – May 23rd – Providence Mayor Smiley issued an Executive Order clarifying the policy. It notes the difference between the tall flagpole erected on the roof of City Hall and the “smaller Eastern flagpole” sticking out of a window above the stairs of the building. The EO also notes that the flagpole is “”not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public”.

Executive Order – Display of Flags at Providence City Hall

Smiley also issued this statement on reflection of the murder of two Embassy workers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in DC, which included the chanting of “Free. Free Palestine!” by the shooter:

“On Wednesday night, a young couple with their whole lives ahead of them was murdered in cold blood as they left the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. As the families of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were preparing to celebrate their upcoming engagement, their lives were taken in a senseless act of violence. This hate crime is just the latest example in a rising tide of antisemitism that is being felt in communities across the United States and around the world, including right here in Providence. Day after day, we see hateful and divisive rhetoric beget unfathomable acts of violence. We see antisemitic language turn into antisemitic action. It’s time to end this cycle.

“Providence’s Jewish community is strong and vibrant – but we are also frightened. We hear the hateful words spoken in our city, and we see the acts of violence against our people in communities like ours around the country.

“I know we will not all agree on every issue, and that is certainly true on an issue as complex and personal as the centuries-old conflict in the Middle East. But let’s start where we can agree. We can all agree that the loss and destruction on both sides is devastating. We can all agree that de-escalation and dialogue is necessary for a path to peace. And we can all agree that we cannot – we must not – let this conflict halfway around the world breed further division, hate, and violence in our own backyard.

“Providence is, and will remain, an inclusive and welcoming city that supports diverse opinions and voices. When we disagree, we must do so respectfully and peacefully. Hateful and divisive rhetoric will not further the cause of peace in the Middle East, but it will further frighten and alienate our friends and neighbors here at home. Regardless of the issue, we always must start from a place of compassion, empathy, and understanding. In this moment, I implore all Rhode Islanders to turn down the temperature and find common ground.”