The Jewish Council says events around Auckland Museum are 'distressing'.

The Museum lit up with the colours of the Israeli flag last night, intending to express hope for peace.

It's since apologised for offence caused, after a Pro-Palestinian protest outside the building.

Council spokesperson Juliet Moses says the apology feels like a betrayal.

"My community is feeling very much in pain, very much in shock- for them to make this lovely statement of solidarity and then to apologise really does just compound that pain."

It's understood Jewish schools and synagogues that closed fearing protests, have re-opened.

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