Cities are shying away from foreign flag raisings. But is it really a victory for Canadian Jews?

Not in Heaven · Apr 23, 2026 · 36m

Yom ha-Atzmaut is in the air: circle dancing, falafels, inexplicable inflatable squeaky plastic hammers and, of course, Israeli flags galore.

But this year’s Israeli Independence Day may be the final time the old kachol v’lavan is hoisted up the flagpole in front of Toronto’s City Hall.

Ceremonial flag raising began as a way for public institutions to spotlight local communities’ heritages and celebrate the bonds of friendship between nations. But, like all good things, it didn’t last.

For years, the questions of which local politicians did or did not show up to which particular flag raising…