Pro-Palestinian Students Stage Walkout During Jerry Seinfeld’s Speech at Duke University Graduation
Pro-Palestinian students staged a walkout during Duke University’s graduation ceremony on Sunday while comedian Jerry Seinfeld was delivering his commencement speech. The walkout was part of ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on campus, with students expressing dissent against Seinfeld, a Jewish comedian and vocal supporter of Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
A video of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, shows students leaving the event, some carrying Palestinian flags and others chanting “Free Palestine.” The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with both cheers and boos audible as the students made their exit.
As the students walked out and chanted, Seinfeld reportedly “looked on and smiled tensely,” according to the New York Times. His speech, largely devoid of political content, focused on the honorary degree he received from the university and included jokes and advice for the graduating class.
Seinfeld even made a joke about how being Jewish helped him in his career as a comedian. “I grew up a Jewish boy from New York,” Seinfeld said. “That is a privilege if you want to be a comedian.” Despite this, the comedian drew animosity from a number of student protesters for his previous remarks regarding Israel.
Seinfeld has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself, particularly following Hamas’ assault on October 7, which resulted in over 1,000 Israeli civilian casualties. Last December, Seinfeld visited Israel and had an “emotional” meeting with hostages who had been freed by Hamas in Gaza.
The comedian received significant public backlash after his visit, but has continued to express support to Israel. “Every Jewish person I know was surprised by how hostile the reaction was,” Seinfeld remarked following his visit.
