On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced all flags at state agency facilities will be lowered to half-staff on Thursday to honor those killed in Israel during Hamas’ recent attacks
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
The Israeli flag is flying at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia in a show of support for the Jewish state, which was attacked on Saturday morning by members of the Hamas terrorist group that rules the Gaza Strip.
Hamas terrorists fired thousands of rockets from Gaza at multiple locations in Israel as Hamas militants infiltrated Israel, killing and capturing Israeli soldiers and civilians. Israeli media initially reported hundreds dead and thousands wounded, and Israeli forces quickly struck back at targets in Gaza, beginning what could be a prolonged war in the region.
“The Israeli flag went up in the flag circle just before noon today,” Mike Faulk, spokesperson for Gov. Jay Inslee, emailed The Center Square.
Earlier Wednesday, Inslee announced all flags at state agency facilities will be lowered to half-staff on Thursday to honor those killed in Israel during Hamas’ recent attacks.
The Washington state and United States flags will remain at half-staff in Olympia until the end of the business day or sunset Thursday, according to a directive from the governor.
“I am deeply saddened by the violent attack against Israel committed on Saturday, October 7th by Hamas, which has caused death, injury, and suffering abroad as well as heartache and sorrow here in Washington state,” Inslee said in the directive. “Among those killed is Hayim Katsman, who came to Washington state to study at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies and received his doctorate in June of 2021.”
On Monday morning, Democrat and Republican leaders of the state Senate sent Inslee a letter requesting that the Israeli flag be flown at the state Capitol and that U.S. flags across Washington be lowered to half-staff as a demonstration of support for Israel.
“Lowering our Washington and the United States flags to half-staff will say that we stand with all who have been murdered and oppressed by HAMAS,” the letter reads in part. “Flying the Israeli flag over Legislative Building Olympia, our Capitol will say that, in our corner of the world, we stand with our friends on the front lines whose blood is being shed in the defense of freedom and the quest for peace.”
“We were working on both of those prior to the letter,” Faulk noted.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spendingSen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending.
- After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing …
- Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.
- Bridge, trail reopen at Moulton Falls Regional ParkMoulton Falls Regional Park reopens its iconic wood bridge and trail after restoration work to ensure structural integrity and weather protection.