A group of courageous students stood up to a violent anti-Israel protest at the University of North Carolina on Tuesday. Despite facing a fierce mob, they refused to allow the American flag to be replaced with a Palestinian flag.
Rally-goers hoisted up the flag of a country known for its abhorrent treatment of women over the American flag. They even threw objects at students who defended their country’s flag.
In a heartening display, freelance reporter Bryan Anderson captured a video of students guarding the American flag from the angry crowd. They stood strong even as they were pelted with water bottles and rocks.
Brendan Rosenblum, a junior and Jewish student at UNC-Chapel Hill, had water bottles thrown at him as he stood in the middle of the quad by with an Israeli flag while protesters tried to replace an American flag with a Palestinian one. Classes today have just been cancelled. pic.twitter.com/hUkPTXtLxj
— Bryan Anderson (@BryanRAnderson) April 30, 2024
In the midst of the chaos, one brave student, identified as Brendan Rosenblum, was seen carrying an Israeli flag while demonstrators targeted him with objects. And in the background, a group of students proudly declared, “I love my country!”
One of these students, Guillermo Estrada, later shared his thoughts on the incident. As the son of immigrants, he felt compelled to defend the flag that represents the sacrifices of the U.S. military. He admitted to not knowing enough about the politics of Israel’s war on terror, but that did not stop him from standing up for his country.
(Thread) Today was a sad yet empowering day at Chapel Hill. When I walked to class, I saw the Palestinian flag raised on our quad flag pole, and was immediately upset at the act that these “protestors” had made. I cannot say I am fully educated on the Israel/Palestine conflict pic.twitter.com/tZrZEOSu8a
— Guillermo Estrada (@estradguillermo) April 30, 2024
Estrada also revealed that the students guarding the flag were members of UNC fraternities, showing that solidarity and patriotism transcend organizational boundaries.
When the flag was raised once again, the greek community began singing the National anthem. As the Chancellor left, the quad erupted into chaos as protestors began removing the flag once again, preparing to destroy it.
— Guillermo Estrada (@estradguillermo) April 30, 2024
According to WNCN, the police detained 36 people for refusing to remove an encampment on campus. This scene is reminiscent of what is happening on other college campuses across the country, where a large portion of young people have been misled by anti-Israel propaganda.
My parents started a new life in the United States, a country that has helped them flourish and raise two kids. I grew up in a Military community and saw first hand the sacrifices they make. I will not stand for the disrespect these "protestors"
— Guillermo Estrada (@estradguillermo) April 30, 2024
Amidst the chaos, the fraternities of UNC came together to demonstrate their quiet strength and patriotism. They understood the importance of honoring a flag that represents the sacrifices and values of America, a country that unites all of its citizens.
This show of unity and patriotism from young American leaders is crucial in a time when the extreme left has been vocal in their support of Israel’s enemies. The students of UNC showed that actions speak louder than words and that the flag remains a symbol of what unites us all.
cause for the sake of another country.
My LDOC will be memorable in knowing that my fraternity brothers and others fought to keep the flag up. But it was also be memorable in knowing that so many yearn to disrespect it.
— Guillermo Estrada (@estradguillermo) April 30, 2024
In a world where violence and hatred are becoming more prevalent, it is reassuring to see a small group of students standing up for what is right and defending their country’s flag. They serve as a reminder that there is still hope for the future of America and that the values and sacrifices represented by the flag will continue to be honored and defended for generations to come.
VIctory Hooray needed
idiots don’t like it where they live, are welcome to move over there,a.s.a.p.