During a commencement speech at Duke University, a group of pro-Palestinian students protested against the speaker, Jerry Seinfeld, by walking out as he was introduced. Seinfeld, a Jewish comedian known for his support of Israel, was met with mixed reactions from the graduating class. While some students booed and chanted “free Palestine,” others remained and supported Seinfeld, eventually giving him a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech.
Duke invited a Jewish speaker to graduation and Pro-H@mas graduates walked out. The speaker? Jerry Seinfeld.
pic.twitter.com/5p3YWl1b2V— @amuse (@amuse) May 12, 2024
The protest stemmed from Seinfeld’s vocal support for Israel, particularly highlighted by his visit to a kibbutz near Gaza and meeting with families of hostages, which occurred after a violent conflict involving Hamas. In his address, Seinfeld chose not to focus on the walkout or his political views but instead offered advice on life and career, advising the graduates to move beyond the pursuit of passion alone and embrace practical endeavors.
Duke University spokesperson Frank Tramble issued a statement on the incident, emphasizing the university’s respect for the right of everyone to express their views peacefully without disrupting the celebration of achievements. He said, “We understand the depth of feeling in our community, and as we have all year, we respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully, without preventing graduates and their families from celebrating their achievement”
Watch Jerry Seinfeld’s full speech: