The City of Toronto will raise the Palestinian flag for the first time in recognition of Palestine’s Independence Day, a move being celebrated by activists across the city.
The city announced it will raise the flag at city hall on Nov. 17 in recognition of Palestine’s Independence Day on Nov. 15.
Flags of nations recognized by the Government of Canada can be flown on their national day, anniversary, or special occasions on courtesy flagpoles upon approved request by non-profit or charitable organizations, according to the city.
This move comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney officially recognized Palestine as a state earlier this year.
“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Carney said in a statement in September.
“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas.”
In a statement to Now Toronto, the city says it approved a request from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) to fly the flag to celebrate Independence Day.
Although the city will be raising the flag, it emphasized that it does not reflect or express a direct political stance.
“The use of the City’s courtesy flagpole neither implies nor expresses support for the politics or policies of nations and/or organizations but raises the flag in recognition of those citizens or members that have made the request, as per the policy,” the city said.
The move to raise the flag is being welcomed and celebrated by ICJP, as the organization considers it a message.
“After two years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the City Hall flag raising symbolizes Palestinian resilience and is a powerful expression of solidarity with Palestinians everywhere,” Shane Martínez, lawyer at ICJP Canada, said to Now Toronto in a statement.
Martinez says ICJP sought to have the Palestinian flag raised to commemorate the historical and ongoing struggle for Palestinian liberation.
“It sends a clear message to Palestinians in Toronto and around the world that their right to self-determination and to a free Palestinian state is one that we will advocate for in all forums.”
Many Torontonians and local Palestinian groups are applauding the city for the move, including Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, who says the raising offers important visibility to Palestine.
“We also appreciate Mayor Chow’s recent statements recognizing the genocide in Gaza, and encourage her to use her platform to endorse the movement for a two-way arms embargo on Israel,” the group said to Now Toronto in a statement.
Earlier this month, Chow publicly acknowledged the genocide in Gaza during the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and Islamic Relief Canada gala.
