Update by the Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara
October 26, 2023
The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara, known for managing the vibrant State Street flag program, wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by the recent conflicts in the Middle East.
The State Street flag program, a cherished initiative that rotates weekly to highlight and support a diverse array of nonprofits within our community throughout the year. These flags are scheduled up to a year in advance to ensure that we can shine a spotlight on organizations that make a positive impact in our community.
It is essential to clarify that the Jewish Federation Flags, which were displayed on State Street, October 18-24, 2023 were scheduled well before the conflict in Gaza began. These flags are not a response or statement about war but rather a part of our longstanding commitment to showcasing various nonprofits and community organizations that apply to participate in the program.
The Jewish Federation flags came down late Tuesday night, October 24th as scheduled, not in response to the protest that happened on State Street October 24th. Each nonprofit flag is scheduled for one week and is changed out late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning each week by a scheduled contractor. This is done in the middle of the night to not disrupt business activities.
The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara remains committed to promoting unity and diversity within our community and showcasing our diverse nonprofit and business community. We believe that, especially during challenging times, it is crucial to stand together in solidarity, offering support and understanding to all those who are affected.
The State Street Flag program features flags from various nonprofit organizations throughout the year, including Independent Living Resource Center, which are now on display for the week of October 25-October 31, 2023, to recognize National Disability Employment Month.
Other flags in the program include Special Olympics, CALM, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, amongst 45+ others. We encourage the community to learn more about the State Street nonprofit flag program or apply to participate by visiting our website at https://www.downtownsb.org/state-street-flag-program.
We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the conflict and stand together with our community and shared humanity as a symbol of hope, strength, peace, and unity.
Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara Stands in Solidarity with All Affected by Recent Conflicts in Middle East
By the Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara
October 23, 2023
The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara, known for managing the vibrant State Street flag program, wishes to express its heartfelt condolences everyone affected by the recent conflicts in the Middle East.
The State Street flag program, a cherished initiative that rotates several times monthly, to highlight and support a diverse array of nonprofits within our community throughout the year. These flags are scheduled up to a year in advance to ensure that we can shine a spotlight on organizations that make a positive impact in our community.
It is essential to clarify that the Jewish Federation Flags, which are currently displayed on State Street, were scheduled well before the conflict in Gaza began. These flags are not a response or statement about war but rather a part of our longstanding commitment to showcasing various nonprofits and community organizations.
The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara remains committed to promoting unity and diversity within our community. We believe that, especially during challenging times, it is crucial to stand together in solidarity, offering support and understanding to all those who are affected.
Our program features flags from various nonprofit organizations throughout the year, including Independent Living Resource Center, Special Olympics, CALM, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, amongst 45+ others. We encourage the community to learn more about the State Street nonprofit flag program or apply to participate by visiting our website at downtownsb.org.
We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the conflict and stand together with our community and shared humanity as a symbol of hope, strength, peace and unity.
Downtown Santa Barbara serves as the champion and advocate for the stakeholders of historic Downtown Santa Barbara, California, with more than 1400 members. It also manages the Downtown Santa Barbara Business Improvement Districts (BID’s), working to create a vibrant place for visitors, investors, and residents. For more information about our programs, events, and a directory of downtown businesses visit www.DowntownSB.org.
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Really hope folks don’t jump on the conspiracy bandwagon here. These flag placements are scheduled months and months in advance and the JFSB does this annually if I remember right. It would send more of a bad message of the Downtown Org chose not to place these flags up.
Would it take a year of planning to erect a Palestinian flag or two? Or would that be deemed “pro-Hamas?”
If there’s a local Palestinian nonprofit that applies for a flag placement I don’t see why it’d be a problem. Flags are only a problem in the Santa Ynez Valley when they’re rainbow colored.
Sac, you are conflating Jewish people with Israel. They are not the same. The Palestinian flag is a nationalist aspiration, the Jewish Federation is a non-profit, so attempting to “balance” these things out would actually be creating a false characterization about the Federation.
Sac, you should quit making everything about your politics.
Virtue signaling much?
SBTONER – huh? That comment really makes no sense. My only comment here was a self admitted cynical one. My “politics?” Look at you, just like your pal, making it always about politics. My support of the Palestinian AND Israeli civilians to live life free from violence and oppression should not be “political” it’s just humane.
Says the one rhetorically asking if it would take a year to put up Palestinian flags and whether or not that would be deemed “Pro-Hamas.”
You made it political when you conjectured that any attempt to put up Palestinian flags would be deemed “Pro-Hamas.”
We get it, you want friends and to be a Justice warrior so you’ll vocalize against the labeling of those who support Palestinian autonomy as “Pro-Hamas,” but I and not many others on Edhat are saying that voicing the call for Palestinian autonomy is considered “Pro-Hamas.”
You are creating divide and conflict in your own mind by acting like people here have labeled you or others “Pro-Hamas” for your views.
Do you thrive on it that much?
That was not worded right.
Myself and others included have NOT said that the call for a free Palestinian state is the same as being “Pro-Hamas.”
Had to say that after re-reading because I know you’ll take that one and run with it.
The Jewish Federation is a long existing local nonprofit organization that serves our local community- Jews and non Jews alike. It provides programs for seniors, meals, social interaction and is generous in its outreach to the entire Santa Barbara community. Its flags do not represent Israel but only their organization. It has every right to have its flags on State Street. Opposing it or their right to post flags seems like anti-semitism to me.
I don’t think anyone opposed them at all. They were taken down only because the flag program only lasts for a week. Weird they are posting an update as to why they’re taking them down, but I guess in this current climate they felt it necessary. Either way, sounds like a great organization!
Because it is!