Dozens of students walked out of Duke University’s commencement ceremony ahead of Jerry Seinfeld’s scheduled speech on Sunday, apparently in protest of the Jewish comedian’s support for Israel, according to news reports and videos circulating on social media.
When Seinfeld received his honorary degree, before beginning his commencement speech, the graduating students rose from their seats and walked out, waving Palestinian flags and shouting, “Free, free Palestine.” Some in attendance joined in support, but many audience members booed the protesters and chanted “Jerry” repeatedly.
After the October 7th attack in Israel, Seinfeld publicly dubbed your support for Israel and spoke against anti-Semitism. He too traveled to Tel Aviv in December to meet with family members of people held hostage by Hamas.
In the graduation speechSeinfeld avoided confronting the protesters, instead giving a light-hearted speech with jokes and life advice for the graduates.
The Duke strike is just the latest example of protests on college campuses in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. Students on campuses across the country have expressed frustration with institutional support for Israel, with many calling on their schools to divest from groups that support Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
