Diaspora

Providence held its third annual Rhode Island Palestine Day, drawing Palestinian community members and supporters for food, music, and cultural events, organized in part to highlight Palestinian identity amid the war in Gaza. The gathering coincided with ongoing debate over the city's Question 7 ballot measure, which voters will decide in the November 3 general election. Democratic mayoral nominee David Morales, who supports the measure, attended and framed it as a chance for the city to take a moral stance. Steven Baker of the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island criticized the proposal, arguing it targets a specific community without addressing humanitarian needs abroad.