Berlin’s Left Party leadership is advocating for the display of the Palestinian flag alongside the Israeli flag at public buildings, including the iconic Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus). This proposal aims to convey a broader sense of empathy for all those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Co-chair Kerstin Wolter, in comments to the Tagesspiegel newspaper, stated that the dual flag display would be a symbolic gesture encompassing all those experiencing hardship. She argued that current displays are not adequately reflecting this inclusivity.
Previously, the Left Party’s faction in Berlin-Mitte had proposed removing the Israeli flag from public buildings. The initial motion, submitted to the district council, suggested that the city administration lobby for the flag’s removal as a demonstration of respect for Palestinian residents of Berlin and solidarity with civilians in Gaza and Palestine.
The proposal has faced strong opposition from Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), who publicly rejected the suggestion and urged the Left Party to critically examine its stance on antisemitism.
While disagreeing with the proposal to remove the Israeli flag, Ms. Wolter clarified that the party supports the flag’s symbolic representation of the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas. She also acknowledged that the city’s leadership’s stance might be perceived as one-sided given the reported actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.
According to the Left Party, it maintains a position against double standards when addressing human rights violations. Co-chair Maximilian Schirmer emphasized the party’s reaffirmation of Israel’s right to exist and its condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel, adding that acknowledging the suffering in Gaza does not contradict these principles.
