Hoboken Mayor Addresses Backlash Over Palestinian Flag Raising

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has responded to criticism regarding the city’s decision to raise the Palestinian flag, a gesture requested by local Palestinian residents. The move drew sharp complaints from some who equated it with support for terrorism and antisemitism.

Mayor Bhalla compared the backlash to similar criticism earlier this year when the city raised the Israeli flag for Israel Independence Day. “The raising of the Palestinian flag is in response to direct requests we have received from Hoboken residents of Palestinian descent,” he said. “In accepting this request—as we do for similar requests—we are expressing our appreciation for a community of people, their culture, their identity, and heritage.”

The mayor emphasized that these flag raisings are intended to support local communities and not political actions. “Back then, I took lengths to explain that raising the Israeli flag is an expression of our support of the Israeli community in Hoboken and beyond, at a time of deep hurt and suffering. Now the exact—sometimes to the word—expressions have entered my email inbox in reaction to the raising of the Palestinian flag,” Bhalla stated.

“I was asked why, when there are few Palestinians in Hoboken, that we should raise the flag. I feel that this makes it even more critical that we do not silence or deny the existence of a small minority of residents,” Bhalla said. “Recognizing their existence is all the more important for our community as a whole.”

“In Hoboken, we host flag raisings for many communities that want their voices to be heard, and their identity recognized,” Bhalla noted. “I cannot and will not discriminate against any community. I am proud to be mayor of a city that is welcoming of Palestinians and their allies.”

The mayor concluded by reaffirming that diversity and inclusivity are central to Hoboken’s identity, saying, “Equality will be our hallmark.”