Neighborly Actions for a Breaking Heart
Shout and pray against starvation in Gaza (4 events). Rally and organize to stop police brutality and ICE terror (1 event). Speak up for the future of public transit in Rhode Island (multiple events)
Hi, everyone. Here are a few more things to do with and for our neighbors this week. As always, if you can’t be in the streets for a demonstration, check with people you know (and, if possible, with the organizers) if you can flyer ahead of the event, give rides to/from, watch the baby, supply some masks, join a coordinated phone zap, walk the dog, or contribute to the bail fund.
TOMORROW (Friday, July 25), 2:30pm, starting at Providence City Hall (25 Dorrance St, Providence): This is our city’s demonstration against the starvation of the people of Gaza, which is a war crime and a bleak shame. Tomorrow will be very very hot—I’ve seen 96F predicted—so while I want to see you out there, please bring water and be ready to dip out if you start to feel more unwell than usual. The Providence Public Library on Empire St has air conditioning.
Sunday, July 27, 4pm, starting in Harvard Square, Boston: Boston BDS is organizing this noise demonstration against Capital One, a major funder of weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. Bring pots/pans/spoons, vuvuzelas, and your walking shoes.
STARTING Monday, July 28, with multiple dates and locations: Cuts to RIPTA funding, provoking service reductions and a fare increase, are prompting this series of public hearings. Here’s what I want you to keep in mind:
People who ride the bus use it to get to work, school, medical appointments, the grocery store and more. Keep this in mind when you’re making your comments about what should stay.
In particular, bus lines that serve hospitals and clinics need to stay open.
Speak up with elderly and disabled bus riders in mind, since they are most likely to be harmed by these cuts and changes.
Wednesday, July 30, 6pm, Providence City Hall (25 Dorrance St, Providence): Despite Mayor Smiley’s assurances at the end of last year that the Providence Police Department would not cooperate with ICE, there is evidence of them doing so. Their harassment of unhoused people continues, and their budget for 2026 is bigger than it was for 2025. Join your neighbors in speaking out against police brutality and ICE collaboration; if you are feeling brave enough to tell it, bring the story of something that happened to you.
Saturday, August 2, 8-10:30pm, 4 Aurora St, Providence: Join Jewish community for a Tisha B’Av mourning service for those lost to genocide in Gaza. If you have been feeling cut off from Jewish community because of your solidarity with the people of Palestine, you might find your people here.
Sunday, August 3, 6pm-sunset, Providence City Hall (25 Dorrance St, Providence): Mincha service, rally and protest to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and demand that local leaders divest from Israel. I’ll likely be at this one too.
With love,
Kate