Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is proposing a ban on the raising of national flags outside City Hall. This move comes as a local community group plans to raise the Palestinian flag for the first time this weekend. Farkas announced his intention to introduce an urgent motion next week to amend the city’s flag policy. He stated that the proposed change would apply to all countries equally. In a social media post, Farkas expressed concerns that raising national flags could unintentionally escalate tensions within the community. He noted, "These events, even when well-intentioned, increasingly risk becoming flashpoints for conflict and for the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia we’re seeing in our city." Currently, the City of Calgary allows residents to request the raising of national flags from countries recognized by the federal government on their national days. A request to raise the Palestinian flag was submitted on September 24, shortly after the federal government announced its recognition of Palestinian statehood. Haneen Omar, a member of the Palestinian Community Association of Calgary, emphasized that the flag-raising is not intended to be political. "This is really just a moment for us to say we can have a moment for our community," she said. The flag-raising was initially scheduled for November 30 but has been moved to November 15 to coincide with the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. The Calgary Jewish Federation expressed disappointment over the upcoming event. In a statement, they said, "This was an intentional decision that enabled approval of a highly politicized and divisive event on a day that carries significant political meaning." They also raised concerns about the proposed ban on future flag-raisings, including the Israeli flag. Lisa Libin, president of the Calgary Jewish Foundation, stated that the community is "extremely disappointed" about the flag-raising. She highlighted the potential dangers of such events, saying, "It’s really hard for us to swallow the fact that we will allow for this flag to be flown and not ours." Farkas confirmed that if his motion is approved, future national flag ceremonies would be prohibited. He stated, "City Hall must be a place that brings people together. National flags, particularly during times of global conflict, can have the opposite effect." The proposed policy change has sparked a range of reactions. Omar expressed her disappointment, stating, "To say that if we get the rights everybody else gets that means nobody else should get that or to suggest that it’s divisive is sad." Harrison Fleming, the mayor’s director of communications, acknowledged the emotional weight of the issue. He said, "This is something that is deeply raw and emotional for so many people." He emphasized that the Palestinian flag-raising was approved through an existing process and is not an endorsement of any side in the ongoing conflict. The city has scheduled 47 flag-raising ceremonies this year, including those for Ukraine, Israel, and Eritrea. If Farkas’ motion passes, it would mark a significant change in the city’s flag policy, impacting future ceremonies. Farkas plans to introduce his motion next week, and the council will debate the proposal thereafter.