In a move sparking a firestorm of backlash, the Providence City Council is inviting the public to a Palestinian flag raising over City Hall on Friday, May 16 at noon.
In a post on social media platform X, the council wrote:
“You’re invited to a Palestinian flag raising at City Hall this Friday, May 16! Elected officials and community members will deliver remarks on the steps out front at 12 pm. Join us!”
The announcement comes as the Palestinian flag has already been placed inside the City Council Chamber — positioned prominently next to the City Council dais.
Mayor Brett Smiley has given the green light for the flag to fly over City Hall, making Providence one of the first U.S. cities to publicly raise the Palestinian flag during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
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?”
The move comes as tensions remain high globally following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the Israeli military’s subsequent war in Gaza. Critics argue that flying the Palestinian flag — especially over a seat of government — amounts to tacit support for Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
City officials have not responded to the backlash, nor have they indicated whether security will be increased at Friday’s event.
The flag raising is scheduled to take place at City Hall at 12:00 p.m. Friday. Whether it will be a show of solidarity or a flashpoint for protest remains to be seen.
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