George Norcross: I hung a US-Israeli flag at the Eagles game —and I'd do it again

I was stunned: a representative for the Eagles private security team was demanding that I take down the small three foot-by-five foot United States and Israeli flag I'd hung from outside the box from where I was watching the Eagles-Dallas game last weekend. I told the security guard in no uncertain terms I wouldn't take it down because it was important to make a clear statement that America was standing by its longtime ally, Israel, after 1,400 of its citizens were brutally murdered and hostages were taken by the terrorist group Hamas on Oct. 7.

After all, on Oct. 9, the Eagles released a statement saying: “The tragic loss of innocent lives in Israel is both shocking and heartbreaking. We condemn the abhorrent acts of terrorism and we grieve for all the victims and their families. We pray for peace to be brought to the people of the region.”

Wasn't my Israel flag in the spirit of the Eagles' statement?

Hanging the flag seemed consistent with the team’s view, but its demands didn't stop despite my strong objections. Then more security guards came in, one after another, until almost a dozen security staff jammed into the box. One aggressively went to rip off the flag. I stood up to block him and made it clear — loudly — that the flag would remain, and he could leave. My action seemed consistent with the NFL’s stance on the countries that have been attacked — and not just Israel. After all, the league has taken a public stance in support of the people of the Ukraine following Russia's invasion and publicly suspended all commercial activity in Russia.

It was only later that I would learn that fewer than half of NFL teams had issued statements denouncing Hamas and the violence waged against Israel — just 14 out of 32 teams.

But for the moment, I was more confused about what was happening. The security staff of the Eagles and NFL (not the Philadelphia police) twisted my arm behind my back into an armlock and I was paraded out of the stadium in front of thousands as the flag was torn down and crumpled in view of the crowd. It is still unclear to me how the flag could be deemed “obscene or indecent” or otherwise inappropriate.

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When video of my removal was posted on the internet and media outlets began calling, the Eagles issued a defensive statement that I was removed for being "physically and verbally abusive.” The eyewitnesses who watched me get assaulted can attest I was never physically abusive, but I certainly became increasingly loud.

I will remain a defender of Israel

Some may wonder why I am such a strong and vocal supporter of Israel, as I am not Jewish. The reason is simple: I am a student of history and an avid follower of current events. The Holocaust happened because people failed to stand up against antisemitism and the organized campaign to dehumanize and mass murder Jews. And in recent years, antisemitism was once again on the rise across the globe, even before the Oct. 7 attacks. I have been sickened by the rhetoric I’ve seen from across the political spectrum blaming Israel for the murder and rape of its citizens.

Frustration with the left: Jews are betrayed by allies who won't condemn Hamas. Their 'victim' narrative is false.

As an American, I am proud of how many people have stood up to support Israel and its right to defend itself against the terrorist group Hamas. As a longtime season ticket holder and passionate Eagles fan, I am disappointed in the team’s owner and leadership. Because there is no dispute: On Oct. 7, Hamas murdered innocent Israeli civilians, raped woman and butchered children and continues to hold hostages. I believe Israel has the right to defend itself, just as the United States did following the Sept 11 attacks. I will remain a proud and vocal defender of its right to do so.

George E. Norcross III is the executive chairman of Conner Strong and Buckelew. He also serves as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Cooper Health System, Cooper University Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: George Norcross: I'd hang US-Israel flag at Eagles game again