In the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in October 2023, a wave of anti-Israel protests swept across the globe, many expressing support for the terror group. These demonstrations, particularly prominent on college campuses and outside government buildings, ranged from peaceful gatherings to chaotic clashes with authorities and pro-Israel supporters. Some protesters resorted to extreme measures to express their anger towards Israel's defensive actions.

A Tragic Protest

On February 25th, 2024, Air Force Airman Aaron Bushnell, 25, tragically self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. Prior to the act, Bushnell livestreamed on Twitch, expressing his refusal to be "complicit in genocide," echoing accusations leveled against Israel regarding casualties in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Bushnell succumbed to his injuries. The Air Force identified him as a cyber defense operations specialist stationed at Joint Base San Antonio. Similar to Bushnell, other pro-Palestinian protesters have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of genocide, despite Hamas's documented use of sensitive locations like hospitals and schools as launch sites for attacks against Israel.

Mourners gather outside the Israeli Embassy to remember Airman Aaron Bushnell.

Defending the Flag

Amidst the campus protests, a group of fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, became national figures for their patriotic stance. Members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity defended the American flag from anti-Israel protesters attempting to replace it with the Palestinian flag. Brendan Rosenblum, one of the fraternity brothers, described enduring verbal abuse and accusations of white supremacy while protecting the flag. The incident, captured on video, garnered widespread praise, including recognition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his July address to Congress.

UNC students at a concert honoring the fraternity brothers.

NYPD Intervention at Columbia University

In April, anti-Israel protesters briefly occupied Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, prompting the New York Police Department to intervene at the university's request. Officers in riot gear entered the building, removing barricades and gaining access to locked rooms. The university stated that the occupation was orchestrated by a group including both students and non-affiliated individuals, who vandalized property and trespassed.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators at City College of New York.

Confrontation in Los Angeles

A violent clash between anti-Israel activists and Israel supporters erupted in Los Angeles in June, drawing condemnation from President Biden. The confrontation, which occurred near the Adas Torah synagogue, involved physical altercations and prompted President Biden to denounce the intimidation of Jewish congregants as dangerous, antisemitic, and un-American.

A Journalist's Sacrifice

In October, Arizona photojournalist Samuel Mena Jr. set his arm on fire outside the White House to protest the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel. Mena, who was off-duty at the time, accused the media of spreading misinformation. His former employer, KTVK/KPHO in Phoenix, stated that Mena was no longer employed, citing expectations of neutrality and objectivity from newsroom staff.

Samuel Mena Jr. receives assistance after setting himself on fire.

Hamas Symbolism at Stanford

A photo of a man wearing a Hamas-like headband on the Stanford University campus sparked concern among Jewish students and prompted the university to submit the image to the FBI. The students who took the photo expressed shock at the open display of what they perceived as support for the terrorist group.

The individual wearing the Hamas-like headband at Stanford.