Why is the Iowa Capitol illuminated blue this week?
The Iowa State Capitol looked a bit different in recent days, as blue lights illuminate the building in support of Israel following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation Wednesday declaring the week of Oct. 22 through Oct. 29 "Blue Ribbon Week." She called upon Iowans to observe this moment of solidarity by wearing blue ribbons to show "the people of Israel that they are not alone and that good people across the globe are with them"
In the proclamation Reynolds wrote that "Iowa stands in solidarity with the Israeli people and Jewish communities everywhere and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Israel's sovereignty and security."
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Ahead of the week, the Iowa Capitol lights will turn blue each night from Oct. 18 to Oct. 22.
The capitol joins other Des Moines buildings and landmarks in going blue in support of Israel. Recent displays have included downtown's Women of Achievement bridge and the Polk County Courthouse.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her atvreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter@VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Capitol building illuminated blue in solidarity with Israel
