Jerry Seinfeld : “Pro-Palestinian Protests on Campuses Fade as US College Graduations Spark Defiant Actions”

A small group of Duke University graduates made headlines on Sunday as they protested against pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina. Around 30 out of the 7,000 students in attendance stood up and chanted “free Palestine,” while others waved the Palestinian flag. Seinfeld, known for his iconic sitcom and new Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” was at the university to receive an honorary doctorate.

The comedian has been a vocal supporter of Israel, particularly during the recent conflict in Gaza. The war, which started after Hamas attacked Israel, resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in southern Israel and around 35,000 in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The protest at Duke’s graduation reflects a larger trend of student activism across the United States. In recent weeks, students at various colleges and universities have called for divestment from Israel and businesses supporting the country. This movement has led to arrests and demonstrations at campuses from coast to coast.

Protests Spread to Other Campuses

Similar protests were seen at Southern California’s Pomona College, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators tried to disrupt the commencement ceremony. The college had to move the event to a different location and implement additional security measures to ensure the safety of attendees.

At the University of California, Berkeley, a small group of protesters waved flags and chanted during the commencement ceremony, causing some attendees to express frustration. The protests remained largely peaceful across various campuses, with some students using their graduation attire to show solidarity with Palestine.

Continued Activism and Responses

Despite the peaceful nature of most protests, some universities have faced challenges in dealing with student activists. The University of Southern California, for example, canceled its main graduation ceremony after a valedictorian publicly backed Palestinians. DePaul University in Chicago also saw tensions rise as pro-Palestinian protesters set up an encampment on campus.

The activism at these universities reflects a broader movement for social justice and political awareness among students. As the academic year comes to a close, the future of these protests and the response from university administrations remain uncertain.

Overall, the student-led protests highlight the ongoing debate around Israel and Palestine, with young people taking a stand for what they believe in.

Contributors: Ryan Sun in Los Angeles, Sophia Tareen in Chicago, and Kimberlee Kreusi in Nashville, Tennessee.

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