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Matt Dilworth: How A Flag Sparked Conversation

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Matt Dilworth shares how hanging an Israeli flag led to meaningful conversations with his neighbors.

When my family decided to hang an Israeli flag in front of our East Bay home, it wasn’t a calculated statement — it was a heartfelt reflection of who we are and the values we hold dear. What followed, however, was an unexpected and inspiring journey.

At first, I admit, we wondered how our neighbors might react. Would they see the flag and make assumptions? Would it lead to misunderstandings? The Middle East is a topic fraught with tension, and flags often carry more than just their intended meaning. But we soon learned that they could also open doors.

One early morning, a neighbor stopped me while walking the dog. “I noticed your flag,” she said, “and I just wanted to introduce myself.” It was the beginning of a remarkable exchange  — about history, about shared humanity and about the need for dialogue. Over the following weeks, others stopped by, introducing themselves. Some shared personal stories of their own experiences in the region, others mentioned local affiliations or spoke of their hope for peace. Many offered they couldn’t for personal reasons fly their own flag, but were thankful to see ours when they happened by. They all seemed to appreciate a simple sign that it was OK to feel part of something, far away from the dark corners of the news cycle and doom scroll of social media.

Not to avoid sharing both sides, we have had an occasional encounter with a passerby determined to change our minds. But seeing the good in people and sharing in an idea more than makes up for it.

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What began as a small act of identity became a catalyst for community. It reminded me how symbols — like flags — don’t have to divide us. They can also spark curiosity and understanding, if we’re open to it. The conversations haven’t always been easy, but they’ve been meaningful. And they’ve reaffirmed something invaluable: Dialogue isn’t just about speaking your truth; it’s about listening, too. With a Perspective, I’m Matt Dilworth.

Matt Dilworth is a marketing executive living in Oakland.

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