Stamford Raises Israeli Flag Outside Government Center

STAMFORD, CT — The sounds of clapping and singing echoed throughout the downtown area Monday morning, as the Israeli flag was raised outside of the Stamford Government Center to show solidarity with the Jewish community in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks.

Minutes earlier, a crowd of over 150 people gathered inside for a brief ceremony that featured remarks from Jewish faith leaders and elected officials.

"Today we raise the Israeli flag at our city's government center to show our support for the Israeli people and those affected by the heartbreaking events," said Mayor Caroline Simmons. "Let this flag serve as a beacon, reminding you that you are not alone in these dark times. Let this flag be a reminder that we are immensely proud of our Jewish community in Stamford and grateful for the rich history and contributions Jewish leaders have brought to our city."

Simmons, who also spoke at a solidarity gathering at Temple Beth El in Stamford last week, again condemned the attacks on Israel and reiterated that there's no place for antisemitism or racism in Stamford.

"Watching the news and hearing stories about Israeli women, children and babies being killed and taken hostage was so evil, barbaric, and heartbreaking beyond words," Simmons said. "I say as mayor of this city, to the people of Israel, to our Jewish community in Stamford and across Connecticut, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you during this dark time. We share in your sorrow, your pain and your grief."

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman from Temple Beth El said that the recent events in Israel were "not normal."

Israeli forces are currently readying for an incursion into Gaza to fight Hamas in response to the terrorist attacks that unfolded on Oct. 7 that killed 1,400 Israelis.

Israel said on Monday that at least 199 people are being held hostage in Gaza.

"This is not just garden variety terrorism — and that's bad. What Hamas did on Oct. 7 and what Hamas is sworn to do is genocidal terrorism. No civilized person can possibly defend or justify an act of genocidal terrorism," Hammerman said. "The Israeli flag that is rising today here, and throughout the world, has seen its share of sadness and hardship and has given inspiration and hope to many generations."

State Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D-147) called it "heartbreaking" to see some people excusing, condoning and celebrating the attacks on Israeli citizens.

"It's a morally depraved outlook," Blumenthal said. "There is no excusing and there is no justifying the genocidal terrorist murder that was committed. That's why it's so important you are all here today."

Benjamin Siegel, an area high school student, spoke about the personal impact the Israeli-Hamas war has had on him.

Yannai Kaminka, an Israeli soldier and Siegel's friend and Boy Scout counselor from when Siegel lived in Israel, died near the Gaza border while trying to fight Hamas after the attacks began.

When Siegel found out the news last week that Kaminka had been killed, he said he was "shattered."

"He was 20 years old. He was just a boy... Yannai was a bright person whose presence eradicated any darkness," Siegel said, urging the audience to remember Yannai's name.

Siegel thanked elected leaders for continuing to show their support for Israel and said the raising of the Israeli flag made him feel proud to see the American and Israeli flags side by side.

But he expressed sadness about the gathering and the entire situation unfolding in the Middle East.

"I shouldn't be here today. I should be at school. I shouldn't have to be giving this speech. I should be studying for the ACT or doing homework, or hanging out with friends. I shouldn't be here," Siegel said. "None of us should be here."