VANCOUVER– Israeli flag stickers, which had been affixed to the sidewalk, then defaced and removed from Vancouver’s business district, have been replaced thanks to the efforts of B’nai Brith Canada, BC region.

The two Israeli flag stickers had been at the corner of Granville Street and 7th Avenue and also on Granville Street between 12th and 14th Avenues. The stickers were part of a display of flags of the countries taking part in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

After contacting the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee, B’nai Brith was directed to local business associations.

Sharon Townsend, executive director of South Granville BIA, confirmed that, “Flagwalk has been conceived and paid for by the South Granville and Yaletown Business Improvement Associations” and that “two Israeli flags were removed Dec. 26 after one flag had paint poured on it, creating a significant mess, and the other had ‘Free Palestine’ written on it.”

The Jewish Tribune and the Jewish Tribune Western Edition reported the particulars in a Jan. 28 front-page feature, Israel Olympic flag stickers vandalized. On that same day, as a direct result of B’nai Brith Canada’s efforts, the missing stickers were replaced at around 9 a.m.   

Townsend advised B’nai Brith that more flag stickers are in reserve in case they are needed.  

She said, “We are concerned about all vandalism and disrespect paid towards the nations of the world. Flagwalk is a celebration of peace and friendship.”