Israeli flag (archives)
Photo: AP
World's largest flag?
Israeli flag the size of two football fields making its way to Jewish state from Philippines
A huge Israeli flag, believed to be the largest flag in the world, is making its way to Israel
from the Philippines.
The flag, which is 100-meters long (328-feet) and 200-meters (656-feet) wide, is the size of two football fields. It is slated to arrive at the Ashdod port in the coming days.
The flag was sewn for three weeks by six tailors, guided by two designers, with the help of 40 volunteers. It weighs 5,200 kilograms (11,440 pounds).
The flag was initiated and financed by sister Grace Gupana, an Israel-loving businesswoman, in honor of 50 years of friendship between Israel and the Philippines.
The nun, who has been working for the past few years to advance tourism between the two nations, decided to mark the connection between the two countries through two same-size flags – a flag of Israel and a flag of the Philippines – which is also making its way to Israel.
At the end of the month, a representative for the Guinness Book of Records is expected to arrive in Israel in order to confirm the new record and give the Israeli flag the title of "the world's largest flag". The record is currently held by the American "Superflag", which is the size of one football field.
The Tourism Ministry is currently looking into different ideas for the flag's location. One idea being considered is to place it over Masada.
Tourism Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich said, "I thank sister Grace for giving us an opportunity to be proud of our independence on the State's 60th anniversary through this moving gesture."
In June, the Israeli flag was spread out in the Philippine capital of Manila as a symbol of the friendship between the two nations.
"This flag is my way to express my love and support for the State of Israel and its residents," sister Grace said on Tuesday.
