The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv is showing its support for Israel’s Gay Pride Week by flying the rainbow pride flag along with the American flag.
Ambassador Dan Shapiro posted an image of the flags to his Facebook page on June 10, along with the following message in both Hebrew and English:
“For the first time in history, the U.S. 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.”
The media response has been overwhelmingly positive, but some commenters were not so pleased. Mary Moskowitz wrote: “Mr. Shapiro, I would like to know what gives you the right to speak for all Americans and hoist a “gay pride” flag along with the American flag? This is a blatant violation of your position as Ambassador to Israel. I am not proud of this and I am sure there are many in the United States and Israel who feel as I do.”
Others commenters weighed in with approval and encouragement. Jeremiah Sammons wrote: “Makes me proud to be an American each time we slowly make our way towards equality and justice for all!” And this, from M.V. Atinous: “This is what core American values are – freedom, liberty, equality…and support for *everyone*. It’s great to see America taking a stand in the world for those who are (or may be) marginalized not only by their fellow countrymen, but also their government.”
The image has received over 1,000 shares and 2,000 likes so far. I think the ayes have it.
Update, June 13: The British Embassy in Tel Aviv is also flying the pride flag.