Tokyo CNN —
Israel will not be invited to Nagasaki’s peace ceremony commemorating the 1945 atomic bombing to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, unlike Hiroshima, where Israel’s invitation still stands despite controversies. The decision was influenced by pressure from activist groups due to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Nagasaki’s mayor emphasized that the exclusion was for security reasons rather than political motives. The event aims to honor victims of atomic bombings and reflect on the importance of peace amidst nuclear threats.
Israel’s Ambassador to Japan expressed disappointment over the decision, defending Israel’s right to self-defense against terrorist attacks. The ceremony in Nagasaki, scheduled for August 9, marks a significant moment in history that led to Japan’s surrender in WWII.
While security concerns hindered Israel’s invitation, Hiroshima has excluded Russia and Belarus for other reasons. The differing approaches have sparked debates among activists questioning the consistency of criteria for participation in such events.