Prague's Petřín Tower to light up in blue and white in support of Israel

Czech President Miloš Zeman flew an Israeli flag at Prague Castle in solidarity with Israeli amidst the recent conflict yesterday, and today Prague's Petřín Tower will light up in blue and white as the city shows support.

Violence between Israel and Palestine has reached its highest point since 2014 in recent days. Skirmishes on the streets of Jerusalem during Ramadan have led to Hamas rockets being fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, and retaliatory air strikes by Israel.

In a press statement, Prague councilor Jan Chabr said that the city wants to express its solidarity with people living in both Israel and the Gaza Strip, and show support to families of the victims of the recent conflicts.

"Armed clashes have already claimed about fifty victims, including more than ten children," said Chabr.

"In such moments, we should more than ever appreciate the fact that we live in a country in which we can freely express our religion, without fear of any violent attacks."

Prague's Petřín Tower is one of the highest points in the Czech capital, and one of the most visible from many areas of the city. It has recently installed advanced lighting technology to allow it to be illuminated in a variety of colors and patterns.

The lighting is coordinated by the company THMP (Technologie hlavního města Prahy, or Technology of the Capital City of Prague), and used to show recognition of special dates in the Czech calendar and worldwide events.

"We light it in various shades to commemorate extraordinary events or important days," says Tomáš Jílek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of THMP.

"Petřín has thus become such a light symbol for Praguers."

The Petřín Tower is one of Prague's only landmarks that remains illuminated throughout the night; due to its isolated location atop Petřín Hill, the lighting does not disurb residents.

THMP also emphasizes that while Petřín's lighting technology would allow for more complex effects, the city focuses on a more restrained use so as not to contribute to visual smog.