For those who frequent the most volatile flashpoints across the United States, the figure of "Flag Guy" has become a familiar sight: a social-media activist who shows up holding the American flag in one hand and the Israeli flag in the other, standing opposite protests, demonstrations and intense public attention.
But on October 7 this year, as he stood at the heart of Columbia University's campus, one of the most contentious sites in America since the war began, an unexpected encounter moved him deeply.
As he stood with his flags, a man who looked vaguely familiar approached him, though not dressed like a major celebrity. "I just want to say hello to you, my name is Andy, and I follow you on Instagram," the passerby said, adding warm words of encouragement: "You are a brave man. I live in Los Angeles, I'm an actor, I was on 'The Office', I played David Wallace."
The man behind the moving gesture was actor Andy Buckley, known to millions of fans worldwide for his iconic role as the vice president (and later CEO) of Dunder Mifflin on the hit series "The Office".
"Flag Guy" was deeply touched by the public and warm support from a Hollywood star.
