French MEP Removes Israeli Flag From Oct. 7 Exhibit
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan removed Israeli and EU flags from an exhibition marking the October 7th massacre, sparking condemnation. Hassan's office stated she condemned Israeli actions, but the EU flag fell accidentally. Other MEPs accused her of antisemitism. Hassan, a vocal critic of Israel, has faced multiple entry denials to Israel and recent legal issues in France related to terrorism support allegations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- French MEP Rima Hassan removed Israeli and EU flags from an Oct. 7 commemoration exhibit.
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola condemned the incident and initiated a review.
- Hassan's office claimed she condemned Israeli actions, while the EU flag fell accidentally.
- MEPs François-Xavier Bellamy and Nathalie Loiseau strongly criticized Hassan's actions.
- Hassan has a history of strong criticism of Israel and faced prior entry denials.
- She also faces recent terrorism support allegations in France.
A French Member of the European Parliament, Rima Hassan, representing the radical left-wing party "Unbowed France," caused an uproar by knocking Israeli and European Union flags to the floor. The flags were part of an exhibition commemorating the October 7th massacre. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola condemned the incident, stating she views the accusations "very seriously" and that steps are being taken to review the case. Hassan's office confirmed she removed the Israeli flag as a "condemnation of the ongoing genocide by the Israeli government," but claimed the EU flag fell by mistake and no flag was intentionally trampled.
MEPs from the right and center sharply criticized Hassan. François-Xavier Bellamy, who posted a photo of the flags on the floor, accused her of importing antisemitic hatred into Europe. Nathalie Loiseau added that Hassan's party had "reached the bottom of unfairness." Hassan, 34, a French lawyer of Palestinian origin, is known for her strong criticism of Israel. She was previously denied entry to Israel three times in 2025, first as part of a European delegation and later arrested by the Navy while participating in flotillas attempting to reach Gaza. Additionally, Hassan recently faced legal trouble in France, arrested on suspicion of supporting terrorism after quoting Kozo Okamoto, a perpetrator of the 1972 Lod Airport massacre, in a tweet. Police also found synthetic drugs in her possession during the arrest. In late 2024, another complaint was filed against her for supporting terrorism following a statement comparing the service of French Israelis in the IDF to the right of French Palestinians to join armed resistance.
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