Many municipalities are struggling with the question of whether they will raise the Israeli flag today. The flag is now flying in most municipalities in Amstelland, but in Haarlemmermeer the blue-white flag does not fly.
Haarlemmermeer does post a statement of support after the series of attacks by Hamas on Israel in recent days. “We condemn these terrible terrorist attacks and our thoughts are with the victims and residents of Haarlemmermeer who have family or friends in Israel.”
The municipal council of Haarlemmermeer stated in a Facebook message that it supports the government’s decision to hoist the flag, but does not choose to do so itself. “In principle, the municipality does not raise a flag in international conflicts.”
Indignant reactions can be read under the message, because the municipality previously raised the Ukrainian flag. A spokesperson for the municipality provided clarity about this after questions from NH: “Factions from the municipal council then submitted a motion for this and it was adopted.”
Text continues below the Facebook post.
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The Israeli flag is now also flying at the town hall in Amstelveen. The municipality has announced that the flag will remain up for three days as a show of support. “We sympathize with all those affected by the terrorist violence in Israel,” the municipality wrote on social media.
Uncertainty in Uithoorn
It is no surprise that the Amstelveen Municipal Executive chooses to hoist the Israeli flag. Amstelveen has the largest number of Jewish residents in the Netherlands and the community is still growing. The Israeli flag is also already flying in Aalsmeer, but it is still unclear whether the municipality of Uithoorn will raise the flag. This afternoon there will be a meeting in Ouder-Amstel about raising the flag.
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