The ÖVP had called for the city hall to be covered with flags, but the KPÖ disagreed. Now the city council of Graz has agreed to illuminate the clock tower and town hall in white and blue.
The statement from the city of Graz, published on Friday afternoon, said: “We are shocked by the attack by the terrorist organization Hamas. There is no justification for the criminal acts of indiscriminately killing or kidnapping civilians.” And further: “No one has the right to deny the right to exist to the State of Israel, with whose people we declare our solidarity.”
The city government calls for the release of the hostages and to “prevent further escalation.” They want to “work for peace and understanding”. “Because of their history and values, the human rights city of Graz and our democratic society are obliged to stand up against terror, anti-Semitism and racism, but also for peace and human rights.”
No flag, but lighting
It is said that in the coming days the Clock Tower and City Hall will be illuminated in the colors of Israel, in solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attacks.
ÖVP: “Commitment to the State of Israel is lacking”
The ÖVP promptly responded to the statement: “A clear commitment to solidarity with the State of Israel” is missing, according to a statement by city councilor Kurt Hohensinner. Corrections have been made, not all of them, but some of them have been processed. That’s why they finally agreed.
Hohensinner’s request for flags was rejected in the city senate by the KPÖ and the KFG. “A light installation with white and blue colors, as the mayor is currently considering, is not a clear statement and is not sufficient.” A guest speech by Elie Rosen, chairman of the Jewish community, will also not be possible.
The city council proposed a black flag
On Wednesday, KPÖ town councilor Robert Krotzer announced the idea of marking the town hall with a black flag in memory of the victims, which led to criticism. After the state parliament parties issued a joint statement, the KPÖ accused the SPÖ of not having had an equal debate on the content.
It said, among other things, that they were ‘obligated to support Israel in the fight against terror’. The KPÖ wanted to change the passage to: “Our democratic society, based on its history and values, is obliged to do so the people against to support terror, for peace and freedom.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
