With Independence Day 61 only two days away, many Israelis are busy buying flags, for their vehicles, homes and places of work. The flag, the sign of pride and patriotism that is embraced by many comes from the east however, with about 90% of the flags sold in the marketplace coming from China.
Textile industry officials estimate the marketplace for Independence Day flags to be worth about NIS 2.1 million, but Israeli firms will only see 10% of that figure. Textile manufacturers are calling for legislation to compel government agencies and state institutions to buy locally produced ‘state symbols’ in an effort to bring the business back home.
Sharp criticism is being leveled against Tel Aviv City Hall, which purchased 8,000 flags from China, valued at NIS 250,000.
The situation is even more difficult this year textile manufacturers report, with the global economic crisis. 285,000 flags were purchased nationwide by consumers in recent weeks, reflecting a 25% drop from previous years, attributed to the difficult economic realities. There is a 30% drop in the number of flags sold for vehicles and a 40% drop in large to medium sized flags. Prices have also dropped on the average of 3%.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
Why are there not enough or more flags being manufactured within Israel? Business is business and the business of flags with Independence day around the corner is a busy one.
The drop in flag purchases is that people now save them from year to year instead of purchasing anew.