Israeli embassy condemns “antisemitic horror” in Polish parliament over flag incident

The Israeli Embassy in Poland has strongly condemned the display of an altered Israeli flag with a swastika by Konrad Berkowicz during the Sejm session, calling it an “antisemitic horror in the Polish Parliament.”

The incident has triggered an international scandal and backlash against the MP, a member of Poland’s Confederation party.

The Israeli Embassy in Poland strongly condemned the incident, calling it an “antisemitic horror in the Polish Parliament,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media.

Poland’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the actions, describing them as “outrageous and unacceptable.”

During the parliamentary session, MP Konrad Berkowicz accused Israel of using banned phosphorus munitions and carrying out attacks against civilians. He further alleged that the country is committing “genocide” and referred to it as a “new Third Reich.”

He then presented a modified Israeli flag in which the Star of David was replaced with a swastika, stating: “This is how Israel’s flag should look.”

The Polish Foreign Ministry stressed that criticism of Israeli policy cannot justify actions that insult the memory of Holocaust victims.

The Sejm Chancellery, on behalf of Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty, also condemned the incident and announced preparations for disciplinary measures against the MP.

Parliamentary legal services are reportedly considering further legal steps, including involving law enforcement.

The incident drew sharp international reactions, including from US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose.

The Israeli Embassy also highlighted that it occurred on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, adding further gravity to the controversy.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov