MEP Rima Hassan Removes Israeli Flag From Exhibit on Oct. 7 Victims
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
European Parliament member Rima Hassan removed an Israeli flag from an exhibition honoring October 7th victims in Strasbourg, claiming "Israel does not exist." Artist Yaron Bob, whose work was displayed, confronted Hassan, who then allegedly threw the flag to the floor. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed the incident, promising an investigation. Hassan denied disrespecting the exhibition and presented her own account, comparing the flag's display to that of a Russian flag.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MEP Rima Hassan removed an Israeli flag from an exhibition on Oct. 7 victims in Strasbourg.
- Hassan stated "Israel does not exist, it is occupation" during the confrontation with artist Yaron Bob.
- Bob stated Hassan threw the Israeli flag to the floor after he explained the exhibition's purpose.
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed the incident and promised an investigation.
- Hassan claimed an organizer said "Palestine does not exist" and compared the flag display to Russia's.
- Hassan, who has a history of anti-Israel actions, confirmed removing the flag but said the EU flag fell accidentally.
European Parliament member Rima Hassan removed an Israeli flag from an exhibition commemorating the victims of the October 7th attacks, stating that "Israel does not exist, it is occupation." The incident occurred on Monday at an exhibition in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where Israeli artist Yaron Bob was displaying his work. Bob, who transforms rocket fragments into sculptures symbolizing peace, recounted the confrontation, explaining that Hassan initially questioned the presence of the Israeli flag. When Bob identified himself as Israeli and explained the exhibition's purpose, Hassan reportedly stated, "It is unacceptable to me that the flag is here." Bob countered that he lives in Israel and that Israel predates Palestine, to which Hassan allegedly responded, "Israel is an occupying nation, and Israel does not exist at all." Before leaving, Hassan allegedly took the Israeli flag and threw it to the floor, while an EU flag also fell. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed the incident on Tuesday, stating that a member of the parliament was filmed apparently disrespecting the exhibition honoring October 7th victims. She assured that appropriate procedures were being followed. Hassan responded, accusing Metsola of factual inaccuracies and claiming an exhibition organizer told her "Palestine does not exist." She also compared the display of the Israeli flag to displaying a Russian flag during the Ukraine war. Hassan confirmed removing the Israeli flag but stated the EU flag fell accidentally. She has written to Metsola to present her version of events. Hassan, born in a Syrian refugee camp, was elected to the European Parliament in 2024 and has previously been denied entry to Israel and participated in flotillas to Gaza. She was also detained in Paris in April on suspicion of supporting terrorism.
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