Providence, Rhode Island, officials sparked controversy for accepting a request to hoist the Palestinian flag at City Hall. “Providence City Hall displays many different flags throughout the year to mark different occasions and honor the many ethnic and cultural backgrounds and traditions that make our city strong,” a spokesperson for Providence City Council told Fox News Digital. “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!” Providence City 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! pic.twitter.com/SeggPQvS1b — Providence City Council (@pvdcitycouncil) May 14, 2025 Fox News reports: The spokesperson added the city has also flown the Dominican flag, Irish flag, Armenian flag and the Israeli flag in recent months. “Like those examples, this idea came to us from the community as part of a request to honor the important role Palestinian-Americans play in the fabric of our beautifully diverse city,” the spokesperson said. Council President Rachel Miller will display the flag during Thursday’s city council meeting and then outside City Hall Friday. When asked about the decision, a representative for Democratic Mayor Brett Smiley suggested the ceremony was the city council’s prerogative. The Providence city council has kicked up a hornet’s nest by inviting residents from across the Rhode Island city to a ceremonial raising of the Palestinian flag at city hall later this week. https://t.co/7EWL5TRJgG — The New York Sun (@NewYorkSun) May 15, 2025 Per WPRI: The announcement quickly drew criticism online, with some calling on the mayor to shut down the ceremony. Smiley, who converted to Judaism last year, told 12 News in a statement that while “there should be no doubt” where he stands on issues related to Israel, he “did not prohibit” the council from flying the flag. “I want to make it clear that my office does not have the authority to prevent a separate, independent branch of government from expressing their differing political and cultural views,” Smiley said. Providence City Council spokesperson Marc Boyd told 12 News that City Hall displays different flags throughout the year “to mark different occasions and honor the many ethnic and cultural backgrounds and traditions.” WATCH: