Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – PVDA calls for the removal of the Israeli flag from Antwerp city hall, accusing the city of normalizing violence during peak tourist season flag displays.
During the tourist season, the city hangs the city hall full of flags.
“This is really problematic, the city normalizes the genocidal violence that Israel commits,”
says Peter Mertens of the PVDA.
“Vooruit Antwerp will also soon join the action to draw a red line, they would do better to draw a red line against the raising of this flag,”
Mertens continues.
Mertens is also concerned about how the flag would affect the city.
“We are in a tense situation here in Antwerp, this kind of symbolism only makes it worse.”
According to the city of Antwerp, Belgium, there is a set procedure for hanging the flags atop the city hall.
“The countries of the European Union and countries with a consulate in the city will receive a flag. That is stated in the protocol of the city,”
says Liesbeth De Maeyer of the city of Antwerp.
The city council has no more comments to make.
An outline of the nations flying flags at Antwerp City Hall can be found here.
- EU nations based on the date of membership.
- The nations that have a general consulate in Antwerp.
- Antwerp is home to the honorary consulates of these nations.
- The nations whose honorary consulate is situated in Antwerp province.
- The nations within the jurisdiction of Antwerp’s honorary consulate.
- The nations whose Flemish Region is under the administration of their honorary consulate.
What impact do protests like the Belgium “Resistance Festival” have on local attitudes?
These protests and festivals provide forums for political education and socialization, assisting attendees and onlookers in interacting with concerns of political opposition, human rights, and social justice. As demonstrated by numerous resistance festivals around the world, they can help activist or marginalized groups develop a feeling of unity and shared identity.
These rallies challenge political narratives and mainstream media by openly opposing policies or actions that are seen as unjust, such as state violence or occupation. This encourages local populations to reevaluate their opinions and challenge official stances.
Resistance festivals frequently blend political activism with cultural expression (poetry, art, and music), which makes the message more approachable and emotionally compelling. This can create enduring community networks for social change and boost local activist participation.
