Israeli flag condemned as 'harmful' at Michigan pride event sparks fierce antisemitism debate

An LGBTQ organization in Kalamazoo issued a public statement this month labeling the Israeli flag a "harmful" symbol after two volunteers, working in the beer tent at a Pride festival, wore outfits in support of the country.

At the June 6 event, Michelle Zukowski-Serlin, 64, of Comstock Township, wore a dress that featured the Star of David, while her husband, Troy Zukowski-Serlin, 62, wore a hat with the Israeli flag on it.

Amid opposition by some to Israel's military operations in the Middle East, the couple, both of whom are Jewish, said their clothing spurred a mixture of positive feedback but also what Troy described as "blowback."

Three days after the event, OutFront Kalamazoo, which put on the festival, posted on Facebook saying the organization had heard from "many community members who were hurt, distressed, or angered by the presence of Israeli flags worn by volunteers."

"For LGBTQ+ people with family, heritage, or lived experience connected to Palestine and the broader Levant region, including Lebanon, Syria, and other communities impacted by Israeli military actions, these symbols carry deep trauma and represent ongoing violence, displacement, and loss of life," the statement said. "We want to acknowledge that pain clearly.

"We are sorry for the pain caused, and we will do better."

The seven-paragraph social media post was titled, "Our Statement Addressing Harmful Symbolism at Kalamazoo Pride 2026." It had generated more than 300 responses on Facebook as of Wednesday afternoon.

The statement also said OutFront planned to review its policies and procedures to "better address situations where political symbolism may create an unsafe or exclusionary environment."

Christopher Terkos, executive director of OutFront Kalamazoo, said no decision had been made on banning symbols from future events.

"We are reviewing our guidelines to ensure Pride remains a space where all LGBTQ+ people can participate without fear or retraumatization," Terkos said in an email to The Detroit News. "This review is focused on community safety, not banning cultures, religions, or religious imagery."

In an interview, Michelle and Troy Zukowski-Serlin, both social workers and supporters of OutFront, voiced frustration with the Facebook post from OutFront Kalamazoo and the criticisms they faced from some individuals at the festival.

"Saying that symbols of Judaism are harmful and hateful, that is antisemitism," Michelle said.

Troy said people who are Jewish often feel they have to dial down their support for Israel to be accepted in progressive circles. That's despite the fact, he contended, that Israel is the only place in the Middle East where LGBTQ people are safe.

"If you go to Gaza, you'll probably be thrown off a roof if you're gay," Troy said.

The situation in Kalamazoo comes during a pivotal political year in Michigan. Voters will select a new governor and a US senator this fall, and the debate over US foreign policy toward Israel has become a key topic in Democratic primary races.

Michelle described the overall response to her dress at the Pride festival as warm.

But she also acknowledged that someone handed her a note that said, "You're a genocidal baby killer."

Michelle said she handed the note back to the person.

"They spit on the floor. Not at me. I want to be clear. It was nowhere in my direction. Then, they stomped off," Michelle Zukowski-Serlin told The Detroit News.

At one point, during the festival, Terkos told Michelle the organization had received 100 complaints, she said.

In the organization's Facebook statement, it said OutFront stands with Palestinians and rejects antisemitism.