MORIAH BALINGIT : “Pro-Palestinian Protests Decline as US Graduations Spark Defiance”

By | May 13, 2024

1. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations
2. College graduation protests.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

A small group of Duke University graduates caused a stir at their commencement ceremony in North Carolina by protesting against pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who was there to receive an honorary doctorate from the university. Approximately 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance stood up and chanted “free Palestine,” while some waved the Palestinian flag in protest.

Controversy Surrounding Seinfeld’s Support for Israel

Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and recent Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” has been a vocal supporter of Israel, especially during the recent conflict in Gaza. The comedian publicly backed Israel’s actions in response to attacks by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

The protest at Duke University is part of a larger trend of student activism on campuses across the United States. Students have been calling for their schools to sever ties with Israel and companies that support the country, leading to tensions and demonstrations at various institutions.

Protests Escalate at Other Universities

Similar protests were reported at other universities, including Pomona College in Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley. At Pomona College, demonstrators set up an encampment on the ceremony stage, prompting the school to relocate the event to a different venue with increased security measures.

At UC Berkeley, pro-Palestinian demonstrators were escorted to the back of the stadium during the commencement ceremony, causing some attendees to express frustration over the disruption. The protests at these universities reflect a broader movement among students to raise awareness about the situation in the Middle East.

Impact of Student Activism

The protests at Duke University and other campuses underscore the growing divide among students regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some view Seinfeld’s support for Israel as problematic, others believe in the comedian’s right to express his opinions.

As graduation season continues, it remains to be seen how universities will address the concerns of students advocating for Palestinian rights. The clash between free speech and activism is likely to persist on college campuses across the country.

Overall, the protests at Duke University and other institutions highlight the complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of public figures in shaping public opinion.

.

“Pro-Palestinian protests on campuses”
“US college graduations marked by defiant acts”.

   

Leave a Reply