How a small, newly socialist US city became the second to cut ties with Israel
Summary
Providence voters approved a ballot measure requiring the city to avoid investing in foreign countries that profit from genocide, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or prolonged military occupation. The measure won 75% of the vote after a coalition of local groups gathered signatures and organized a large canvassing campaign.Key Facts
- Providence is described in the article as the second U.S. city to divest from Israel.
- The ballot measure passed with 75% of the vote.
- The measure requires the city to refrain from investing in foreign countries that profit from specified abuses, including prolonged military occupation.
- Providence for Palestine began its campaign with about 40 volunteers less than a year before the vote.
- The coalition collected more than 10,000 signatures, twice the number required to qualify the measure.
- Nearly 300 volunteers canvassed; organizers said they knocked on 17,000 doors, made 18,000 phone calls, and spoke with 30,000 residents.
- In 2024, the mayor and city councilors blocked an earlier ordinance to divest from companies with Israeli ties.
- The article cites polls finding that one-third of Americans, including a similar share of Jewish Americans, say Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians, while more than half favor stopping U.S. weapons shipments to Israel.
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