Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement speech spurs student walkout at Duke University
globalnews.caAs comedian Jerry Seinfeld took the stage at a commencement ceremony at North Carolina’s Duke University on Sunday, several pro-Palestinian student protesters staged a walkout in their caps and gowns.
Seinfeld, who received an honorary degree, was being introduced by school president Vincent Price when both booing and cheering sounded from the commencement crowd. According to video from the incident, some students stood from their seats and exited the university’s football stadium carrying Palestinian flags and chanting, “Free, free Palestine.”
The 70-year-old comedian, who is Jewish, has been an ongoing supporter of Israel. He was one of 700 Hollywood figures to sign an open letter condemning Hamas and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people.
Gaza’s health ministry on Sunday reported the death toll in Israel’s military operation in Gaza has now passed 35,000 people, most of them women and children.
student walkout at Duke university commencement as Jerry Seinfeld’s speech is announced. his introduction by university president is being drowned out by “free free Palestine” chants ❤️
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