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Keeping divisiveness alive a sport in Providence – a hurtful one for Mayor, and city (updated)
Feeling he had no legal recourse but to respond to the request of TWO constituents and TWO Providence City Council members, Mayor Smiley gave permission for the flag of Palestine to be flown over Providence City Hall on Friday. He said he could not find a reason not to grant it.
The flag is in addition to one also on display inside the Providence City Council chambers, which Mayor Smiley is their domain and they can put whatever flag they want in that room. Council President Rachel Miller will display the flag during Thursday’s city council meeting and the flag is there now.
In a report of the original story, RI State Representative shouted it out with a “Hell yeah!” and a Palestinian flag emoji.
Friday at noon there is a plan for the four people requesting the flag to be joined by “community members” to speak about Palestine and the recognition of May 15th as Nakba Day, which is a day of mourning and remembrance for the Nakba (meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic). It commemorates the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war – and the establishment of the State of Israel.
There are reports that protesters demonstrated outside Mayor Smiley’s house 2 nights ago.
The issue of the flags came to light in a story about the flag at the Council office. Shortly after that, the event was put on social media by the Providence City Council as a full flag raising:
RINewsToday requested a statement from Rachel Miller, President of the Providence City Council, – and did not receive one.
We asked Mayor Smiley’s office for a statement – his response: “At the request of the City Council and two constituents, the City is flying the Palestinian flag.” His office directed us back to the City Council for more details. Mayor Smiley converted to Reform Judaism in 2024 and has been public about it. The Mayor came back yesterday from a fact-finding trip to Israel, a program of the Jewish Alliance to recruit and pay for such trips for selected officials. Theory has been floated that this incident is designed to embarrass the Mayor for going to Israel. The Mayor admits the “coincidence is not lost on him”.
Mayor Smiley did an interview with WJAR’s Dan Jaehnig:
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The Mayor does have Executive Authorities – similar to the President with EOs: “Mayors, as chief executive officers of their cities, have the authority to issue executive orders within their city government. These orders usually focus on implementing laws, enforcing policies, or ensuring specific procedures are followed by city agencies.”
Also, several people have posted the RI General Laws which speaks to Flag Flying on government buildings – seemingly making it illegal for today’s flag flying:
May 15th’s Providence City Council meeting discussed the flag both planning to fly from City Hall and from being displayed in the City Council chambers with several members speaking out about how this could happen without them being consulted (Helen Anthony) – etc.
Will the flag fly? Seems as though there is every reason for it not to, but media will gather at noon to see if Mayor Smiley will let it happen.
Will the City Council display the Palestinian flag – forever? Will an Israeli flag be added?
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Rhode Island again makes national news
The New York Post has a story on the issue – “Rhode Island capital to hoist Palestinian flag at city hall, citing diversity”. It includes this statement: “In Providence, the executive branch and City Council are two separate branches of government. The Providence City Council, not Mayor Smiley’s office, will be raising the Palestinian flag on Friday,” said Josh Estrella, a spokesman for Smiley.” The article notes Fox News has been attempting to get comment from the RI delegation as well as others.
FOX NEWS also carried an article on their website and noted an unidentified City Council spokesperson as saying, “… this idea came to us from the community as part of a request to honor the important role Palestinian-Americans play in the fabric of our beautifully diverse city.”
The Newport Buzz in reporting on the story listed comments seen on social media regarding the event:
The online response? A tidal wave of fury.
“Is this real?” posted former GOP gubernatorial candidate Ashley Kalus.
“Did someone take your account over? Is this a spoof account?” another user questioned.
“This is really disgusting. I’m sure it also violates some statute. The only time another flag should be put up there is if you’re conquered.”
“What is wrong with you?” asked one commenter.
“Shame! You certainly don’t represent me.”
“Smiley…you should be ashamed of yourself for allowing this to occur.”
“Will you be flying a Nazi flag next week?”
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Flag Policy coming
During the interview on Channel 10, the Mayor noted that the city needs a flag policy and they will be working on one. He also says, “Guess what? In Providence, majority does not rule…”
New York State has a flag policy for public buildings:
In Massachusetts, specifically Boston, the flag policy states, “Allows flags of governments recognized by the U.S. upon proclamation of the Mayor or resolution of the City Council.” While there is a general state policy, many municipalities have regulations that need to be followed to fly flags other than those of the United States, the state, and the city.
In Cranston, one policy exists for public libraries: “The library’s flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public and the library does not allow flags to be raised on request of private entities.”
It should be noted that the United States does not formally recognize the State of Palestine as a sovereign nation.
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RI Jewish Alliance statement:
“The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island was recently made aware of the plan to display the Palestinian flag in the Providence City Council Chamber. We understand that this display is intended to commemorate Nakba Day—an unofficial observance marking what is referred to as the “Palestinian Catastrophe” of 1948. We have communicated our deep concern to the City Council regarding the use of a government space for a display that fosters division within our community.
The Jewish Alliance remains unwavering in our commitment to the safety, security, and wellbeing of the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world.”
Adam Greenman, President & CEO, Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
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The RI Coalition for Israel (not associated with the Alliance) is asking people to show up on Friday. They note if there’s one demonstration to show up to this year, this is the one. Their reasoning:
—it Glorifies Hamas and other anti-Israel terrorists as “martyrs”
—It sends an anti-Israel and antisemitic message to the Jewish and pro-Israel community
– The flags that should be on City Hall or official city property are the US and state of RI flags. The use of the Palestinian flag politicizes the use of public space.
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The Mayor has indicated he will not be changing his mind about the event or the flag.
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This is a developing story
Interesting, you did not note that Governor Dan McKee flew the Israeli flag in Oct 2023 over the State House in “solidarity”. The RI House of Representative has posted up the Israeli flag in its own chambers.
While my personal opinion does not matter in this argument, it stands to recon that it is not about the flag (only a symbol of a nation or people). But about the people it represents.
Lastly, the innocent people of Palestine and Israel should not be suffering at the hands of Hamas or those in power in Israel. The flag represents the PEOPLE and NOT the “war criminals leading the devastation”.
A few things. The US does not recognize the state of Palestine – as it does with Israel. Flags flown at public buildings in RI need to be only the US, the state, and the city flags – unless a visiting head of state of a recognized foreign country is in town, then it can be done as a short courtesy. Other than that, flags cannot be flown “upon request” or for other reasons from public bldgs. Obviously this issue taught many officials about what the law is – and what it is not. People on both sides should not be suffering. Hopefully this will come to an end soon, but the polarization of events like this does not, in my personal opinion, do anything to move that cooperation and understanding of one another forward.
a true peace movement would be advocating for having both Palestinian and Israeli flags shown together, as reconciliation and compromises between these groups is the only way to actually establish full rights for Palestinians, and for Israelis to live in peace without terrorism, rockets, hostages…. But advocates on both sides seem more interested in promoting hate than actually improving anything
Disgusting that we have a government body that worships a terrorist organization, just really really sick. What is even worse the state allows it even though it is against the law in RI. Rhode Island General Laws § 11-15-7,. Terrorists have taken over this State’s government!
Such a weak mayor.
This is sickening! A reason to not allow it is “terrorist” it should not even be allowed in the council office!! Stand up to them!!!