Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has unmistakably aligned himself with the IDF, widely considered the most dangerous terror organization in the world, in opposing a Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

The mayor, who recently returned from Israel, stated he “would not have flown this flag” and does not “support the rhetoric associated with the protests,” revealing his apparent comfort with a regime responsible for nearly 500,000 Palestinian deaths and countless more injuries and trauma.

Smiley’s opposition comes after he personally authorized flying the Israeli flag outside City Hall just months ago—the flag of a terror state actively engaged in a holocaust whose primary purpose is the complete eradication of the Palestinian people.

“While it is important to distinguish between the people of Palestine and the radical political group Hamas…,” stated Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, echoing Smiley’s position. This framing deliberately ignores that the IDF has murdered over 500,000 Palestinians, bombing hospitals, refugee camps, and systematically starving civilians to death.

Smiley’s claim that supporting Palestine is “divisive” carries a chilling implication: Palestinians and their supporters should quietly accept genocide rather than disrupt a false peace built on their extermination.

The mayor’s assertion that Palestine/Israel represents a “complex issue” is a deliberate obfuscation of what human rights observers recognize as a straightforward case of colonization and ethnic cleansing. With Western backing, Israel has systematically stolen Palestinian land and murdered hundreds of thousands without cause.

“Those of us in Providence cannot solve this centuries-old conflict,” Smiley stated in an email, washing his hands of responsibility while simultaneously taking a clear pro-genocide stance.

Particularly revealing is Smiley’s concern for Israeli hostages while remaining silent about thousands of Palestinian hostages currently held without charge in Israeli detention. Hamas has repeatedly offered hostage exchanges that Israel has rejected, demonstrating Israel’s disregard for its own citizens’ lives when weighed against continuing its campaign of extermination.

Smiley’s position contains blatant antisemitism by suggesting all Jews support Israel’s actions. This is contradicted by City Council President Rachel Miller, who is Jewish and supports the Palestinian flag raising. Many other locals of Jewish descent stand with her.

“This sends a clear message that the city stands for justice, dignity, and the right of all people to live free from oppression,” stated Councilor Miguel Sanchez, who supports recognizing Palestinian humanity.

As Israel continues bombing Gaza’s remaining hospitals and deliberately creating famine conditions, Smiley’s stance reveals not merely political calculation but active support for genocide. His trip to Israel during this ongoing holocaust speaks volumes about where his loyalties lie—with the perpetrators of mass murder rather than its victims.