Keith Broomfield, born in 1978 in Massachusetts, USA, lived a peaceful life working in his family’s manufacturing business. However, a life-altering event in 2015 prompted him to seek a more profound purpose.
Deeply affected by the atrocities committed by ISIS, Keith felt a moral imperative to intervene. He recognized the struggle for freedom and justice faced by the people of northern and eastern Syria and yearned to contribute.
Despite lacking prior military experience, Keith’s courage and determination led him to join the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in 2015, taking the code name “Gelhat Rumet.” His bravery and combat skills quickly earned him recognition as a skilled fighter and sniper.
Keith participated valiantly in the Robar Qamishlo campaign which was launched to liberate the al-Jazira province from ISIS and lift the siege on Kobani. He articulated the essence of the struggle: ” The campaign is a fight against oppression, it is a fight for freedom.” He added, “All religions and beliefs are present here, I am a Christian with Sunnis, Shiites, and Yazidis, and we are all trying to achieve freedom for all.
On June 3, 2015, the martyr “Keith” and his comrades were advancing towards the southeastern lines of Kobani, and when they reached al-Chalabiya town, a fierce battle erupted with ISIS terrorists. Keith and his comrades fought bravely, but “Keith” was seriously wounded, which led to his martyrdom, becoming the first American and fourth internationalist martyr in the conflict. The world lost a courageous fighter and a noble soul on that day.
Keith’s sacrifice will forever be etched in the memory of those fighting for freedom and justice in north and eastern Syria. The people of Kobani and his fellow YPG comrades held a dignified ceremony to honor his bravery and sacrifice. His body was returned to his family in Massachusetts for burial, ensuring his memory lives on as a symbol of human heroism.
Every year, on the anniversary of his death, delegations from the Kurdish community in the United States, along with his family, visit his grave. They carry photographs of Keith, alongside the flags of the YPG and YPJ, solidifying his resting place as a symbol of courage and dedication to a higher purpose.
