A display of the Ukrainian and Russian flags that lit up the Old City walls in Jerusalem on Sunday was quickly removed after sparking controversy on social media.
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The municipal initiative meant to convey a message of peace, also bearing the title "May there be great peace from heaven" – a clear reference to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between the warring parties and the possibility that peace talks could be held in Jerusalem.
The gesture, however, did not go over well, sparking a social media firestorm over the decision to display the Russian flag, as the Kremlin is the aggressor in the conflict.
Video: Jerusalem Municipality
"I have to wonder what was Jerusalem's mayor thinking when he decided to light the walls up with both flags instead of just the Ukrainian flag," former Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Gal-On tweeted.
A city hall spokesperson told Israel Hayom that the lights display was only supposed to be up for a short time.
In a separate statement, the city said, "Jerusalem, the Israeli capital, is a city of peace and coexistence. We support an end to the fighting and reaching an understanding between the parties.
"We will be happy to grant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request and host the diplomatic dialogue between the two countries here in Jerusalem."
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