Why Burning the U.S. Flag Is Legal but Burning Israel's Isn't

Burning the flag of Israel is now illegal, but not the U.S. flag. That is insane! On one hand, it is legal in the United States-due to its protection under the 1st Amendment-to burn Old Glory. Yet a new law makes it illegal to boycott Israel and/or burn the flag of Israel.

Believe it or not, last October, a Howard, California man, Christopher Husary, 36, was sentenced to 364 days in jail and two years of probation for burning the flag of Israel.

A screenshot from video captured at the scene shows a masked man holding the Israeli flag as it smolders. (Photo credit: The Jewish News of Northern California)

According to Jewish Telegraph, AIPAC has recently rushed an anti-BDS law through the U.S. Congress. To entice lawmakers, AIPAC reportedly sent more than 50 Congressional Representatives and top political operatives on an all-expense paid trip to Israel. The organization, described by critics as a group of unregistered foreign agents, has refused to release the names.

If you've been online recently and read Global Disconnect on Leslie's Substack, you may have come across viral posts warning of new legislation: the so-called "IGO Anti-Boycott Act," H.R. 867. The act could impose million-dollar fines or even 20 years in prison for Americans who support boycotts of Israel-or burn, tear down, or spit on its flag. Critics say this new law is intended to target free speech and criminalize individuals or organizations critical of Israel.

Fact: Burning Old Glory is still legal, based on the United States Supreme Court's 1989 ruling in the landmark case Texas v. Johnson. However, burning the flag of a foreign country-namely Israel-is now illegal and considered a criminal act. (Photo credit: usatoday.com)

"That's not the America I loved and was willing and ready to die for, if need be, for 20 years," the writer reflects. Under the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, burning, tearing, or spitting at Israel's flag can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines. "That makes me hopping mad!"

The piece argues that the Israeli lobby convinced lawmakers that Sharia law was coming to America while Zionists infiltrated government to pass laws silencing criticism of Israel. "Where are America-first politicians when you need them? Why are President Trump and Elon Musk suddenly dead silent?"

This veteran sees the IGO Anti-Boycott Act as "a slap on the face to all veterans and patriotic Americans." He also argues that BDS-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions-is a nonviolent resistance against Israeli occupation, much like the international movement against Apartheid South Africa in the 1980s.

"For that reason, those three letters, BDS, are driving Israel and its powerful lobby in the U.S., the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), crazy. In fact, those are my favorite letters of the alphabet."

Mahmoud El-Youseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes on U.S. foreign policy, Middle East affairs, and justice. Contact: [email protected]