06/10/2026
European Jewish Congress
We are appalled by reports that MEP Rima Hassan knocked down the Israeli and European flags displayed at the European Parliament as part of an exhibition honouring the victims and hostages of the October 7 massacre.
If confirmed, this goes far beyond political disagreement or provocation. These flags formed part of a memorial to the victims of the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and to those abducted by Hamas. To deliberately interfere with such a memorial, on the eve of the anniversary of the attacks, would show a profound contempt for their memory and for the suffering of their families.
That such an incident is alleged to have taken place inside the European Parliament makes it all the more serious. We call on the Parliament to establish exactly what happened, make the relevant evidence public and, if the allegations are confirmed, take appropriate disciplinary action.
The victims of October 7 and the hostages deserve dignity and respect. Their memory must never become a target for political provocation.
