Providence City Council Considers Divestment From Israel Amid Palestinian Conflict

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Providence City Council is considering an ordinance that, if passed, would prevent the city from investing in Israeli bonds, amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

If passed, the ordinance introduced on Thursday night would force the divestment of city funds from Israeli bonds and disallow future investments in governments accused of war crimes and human rights violations. The city treasurer would also be required to review any investments that potentially violate the ordinance.

The ordinance was introduced by City Council President Rachel Miller, Councilor Justin Roias, and Councilor Miguel Sanchez. In the proposal, the councilors cite the council’s 2006 order to divest from companies conducting business in Sudan after the genocide in Darfur.

“Not a single Providence taxpayer dollar should ever go to funding genocide,” Sanchez told WPRI 12. “Our investments are a reflection of our values. Upholding the values of peace, freedom, and justice means not contributing to a war that has taken the lives of 15,000 children.”

The ordinance does have opponents, including Mayor Brett Smiley. Smiley told ABC 6 he will veto the ordinance if it passes the Providence City Council.

“I am deeply concerned and disappointed in the City Council’s proposed divestment ordinance that reeks of antisemitism,” Smiley told ABC 6. “The ordinance is divisive and polarizing and will only make members of our Jewish community feel further isolated and targeted.”

City Councilor John Goncalves also sent a letter to his colleagues, expressing concern about the ordinance.

“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complex and emotionally charged issues in modern history,” the letter reads. “By taking a stance through this ordinance, we risk deepening divisions within our own Providence community.”

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.