US embassy in Tel Aviv faces internet backlash for raising pride flag
The US embassy in Tel Aviv has received a backlash of online comments for raising a rainbow flag in celebration of pride week.
An announcement was made on Tuesday by Daniel Shapiro, the US ambassador to Israel, that the flag had been raised, reports the Independent.
“For the first time in history… the US Embassy in Tel Aviv has raised the Pride flag together with our American flag. We are proud to join with the municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo and its residents in celebrating LGBT Pride Week,” he wrote.
The announcement was met with a deluge of comments from users who claimed that the gesture did not represent the views of US citizens.
Some demanded that the flag be taken down.
“This is inappropriate, shameful, and embarrassing. Assuredly, this is not the voice of Americans but rather that of a disgraceful administration,” was the furious comment left by one user.
Another commenter wrote: “This flag being hoisted next to the American flag is inappropriate. How is this “gay pride flag” representative of all Americans? The answer is, it is not! This flag needs to come down.”
A petition was also set up to ensure that the flat be taken down, and only the American flag be flown in its place. It had received six signatures by Thursday.
Despite some negative comments, some offered messages of support, thanking Ambassador Shapiro, and saying that flying the flag was the right thing to do.
