Dear Friends and Community Members,
We are writing to make you aware of a ballot measure that organizers are trying to place on the November general election ballot in Providence through a constituent signature collection. While the Jewish Alliance does not represent every Jewish person in Rhode Island, we are the largest collective voice in our state on issues affecting the Jewish community, and we oppose this ballot measure.
The proposed measure forces the City to adopt an ordinance that would restrict the City of Providence's investment decisions based on criteria drawn from international bodies. We believe this measure is harmful, divisive, and antisemitic in its impact, and will make Jewish residents feel unwelcome and targeted.
Click here to read the proposed ordinance.
The Jewish Alliance has hired outside legal counsel that will be closely advising our professional staff to explore all legal avenues in keeping this initiative off the ballot. If you’d like to volunteer to help us in this effort, please fill out this form.
Some of the reasons we are opposing this ballot initiative:
It harms our community without helping anyone.
This measure does nothing to advance real Israeli-Palestinian peace, instead singling out and endangering our community at a time when antisemitism is already at historic highs — and since our safety is interconnected, targeting any community makes all communities less safe.
It is part of a national strategy that targets Israel's existence — not just its policies.
This measure mirrors a national wave of BDS-linked "ethical investing" ordinances whose founder has openly opposed a Jewish state's existence, making it an assault on the identity and belonging of the many Jews — who hold diverse views but largely affirm Israel's right to exist — and for whom Israel is part of their Jewish identity.
It is bad policy for Providence.
By replacing sound financial standards with political criteria from international bodies, this vaguely written measure needlessly endangers the City's strained pension fund, burdens taxpayers, and could also preclude the City from investing in major companies like Google and Microsoft.
We urge you to:
- Reach out to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island for ways to volunteer in countering this effort.
- Learn more about this ballot measure and share information with your networks.
- Speak with neighbors, colleagues, and fellow community members about its impact, and what to do if they are asked to sign it.
This ballot measure is divisive and not in the interest of Providence or its residents. We are committed to standing against it — rooted in the values of inclusion, respect, and community unity that define who we are.
To make a donation to support this effort, please click here and include the note "PVD Ballot Measure" in the Additional Information box.
If you have questions, please contact us at advocacy@jewishallianceri.org.
With deep respect and shared purpose,
Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
