Dozens of pro-Palestinian students at Duke University’s commencement ceremony staged a walk-out on Sunday in protest of speaker Jerry Seinfeld, a vocal supporter of Israel. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly on American college campuses.
Divided Response to Seinfeld’s Honorary Degree
Footage on social media captured the contrasting reactions. Some graduates, adorned in their commencement robes, chanted and waved Palestinian flags as Seinfeld received an honorary degree. Seinfeld, a Jewish comedian, has publicly backed Israel since Hamas’s attacks in October and throughout the Gaza conflict.
Despite the walkout, many students remained to listen to Seinfeld’s speech. Some even offered their support with chants, while others departed during his address.
Seinfeld Defends “Privilege” Amidst Chants
The 70-year-old comedian acknowledged the controversy in his opening remarks. “A lot of you are thinking, ‘I can’t believe they invited this guy,'” he said, referencing the walkout. He then pivoted to address the concept of privilege, which he planned to discuss in his speech.
“I say, use your privilege,” Seinfeld stated. He elaborated on his own experience as a Jewish boy from New York, highlighting the advantages it provide for his comedic career.
Protests Reflect Broader Campus Activism
The Duke University demonstration aligns with a wave of pro-Palestinian protests occurring on college campuses across the US. Students have advocated for universities to boycott companies and individuals connected to Israel in response to the ongoing war. These protests have drawn mixed reactions, with some highlighting disruptions and reports of anti-Semitism . National politicians have weighed in, urging universities to address the disorder. In some cases, police intervention has been used to disperse protestors. The situation has even impacted graduation ceremonies, with universities like Columbia and USC opting to cancel or restructure their main events.
Contextualizing the Conflict
The tensions at Duke stem from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The article provides a brief summary of the incident that sparked the protests: Hamas gunmen crossed the border into Israel on October 7th, resulting in casualties on both sides.
