The mayor of Hoboken faced backlash Tuesday over the decision to raise a Palestinian flag outside City Hall.
Some city officials criticized Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s move on social media and called for clearer protocols surrounding flag-raising events.
“An official flag raising in front of City Hall is supposed to be welcoming and celebratory, with the hope that people see themselves and the community in them,” Mayor-Elect Emily Jabbour wrote on Facebook. “However, today, we are seeing first-hand the repercussions of decisions made without a larger community conversation, and without any engagement with myself or my council colleagues.”
“Hoboken needs a clearer process for future flag raisings, one that respects and considers our entire community,” Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said in a statement.
The flag has since been taken down, Fisher said.
Bhalla defended the decision to raise the flag in a statement on social media, saying it was meant to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the Palestinian community in Hoboken — not to make a political statement. He noted the city has raised flags recognizing many other cultures and communities.
“I want to be clear that the act of raising this flag is not, in any way, shape or form, intended as a political statement by the City of Hoboken,” Bhalla wrote. “Hoboken is a municipality and takes no position on international political conflicts because it is not within the purview of municipal governance.”
Bhalla, who was elected in November to serve in the state Assembly, said it was unintended that the event fell on the anniversary of the start of the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising that lasted from 1987 to 1993.
“I understand that this coincidence has caused concern for some members of our community. This was not our intention,” Bhalla said.
Last November, Hoboken faced similar controversy over another Palestinian flag-raising event, which Bhalla also defended. An Israeli flag flying outside City Hall last year was stolen three times between October and December.
“Especially in moments of pain or conflict around the world, it is vital that our residents feel seen and supported,” Bhalla said.
“As Mayor of the entire City of Hoboken, my responsibility is to treat all community members equally, without exception. I am proud to lead a city where people of all backgrounds, including Palestinians and those who stand with them, can feel welcomed and valued,” he said.
