Toronto Raises Palestinian Flag in Solidarity Amid Controversy

Toronto City Hall will raise the Palestinian flag today at 10 a.m. in a gesture marking the 37th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. This decision aligns Toronto with several other Canadian cities, including Calgary, Brampton, and Mississauga, which have also displayed the flag as a symbol of solidarity for the Palestinian community.

The initiative follows a petition from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, which advocates for the recognition of Palestinian rights. The centre states that the flag’s presence at city hall represents a powerful “symbolic show of solidarity” with Palestinians residing in Toronto.

City Policy and Legal Challenges

According to the city’s flag policy, flags of other nations can be displayed at city hall during national days or special anniversaries. The Palestinian flag is permitted to fly now following Canada’s official recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2023.

While many support this move, it has not come without controversy. The Tafsik Organization, a pro-Israel group, has taken legal action against the city, filing a court injunction to block the flag-raising event. The organization asserts that the event endorses groups they claim are responsible for “inciting violence” against the Jewish community. Both parties are scheduled to appear in court today to address this issue.

Toronto has raised various flags this year, including the Israeli flag in celebration of Israeli Independence Day on May 1. The ongoing discussions surrounding the Palestinian flag highlight the complexities of international recognition and local sentiments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on November 17, 2025. As the city prepares for today’s flag-raising, it reflects broader conversations about identity, solidarity, and the impact of political decisions on local communities.