Seinfeld Compares ‘Free Palestine’ to KKK Rhetoric
In this photo provided by Duke University, commencement speaker Jerry Seinfeld speaks during the school's graduation ceremony, Sunday, May 12, 2024, in Durham, NC. (Jared Lazarus/Duke University via AP)
Duke University has issued a statement clarifying its position following controversial comments made by comedian Jerry Seinfeld during a campus event on Tuesday. Speaking at a gathering organized by the student group Chabad at Duke, Seinfeld compared the phrase “Free Palestine” to the rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan, drawing criticism from students and others.
According to The Duke Chronicle, Seinfeld was a surprise guest at the event, which focused on raising awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza. While introducing former hostage Omer Shem Tov, the 71-year-old comedian said, “’Free Palestine’ is, to me, just—you’re free to say you don’t like Jews. Just say you don’t like Jews.” He added, “Compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m actually thinking the Klan is a little better here because they can come right out and say, ‘We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews.’ Okay, that’s honest.”
The remarks drew immediate backlash, prompting Duke University to release a statement emphasizing that views expressed by guest speakers do not reflect the university’s stance. A spokesperson told NBC News that speaker invitations “do not imply any endorsement of their remarks” and clarified that Seinfeld’s participation was unannounced at his own request, to keep the focus on Shem Tov’s story.
Seinfeld, a vocal supporter of Israel since the October 2023 Hamas attacks that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and resulted in around 250 hostages, has previously faced opposition from Duke students. During the university’s 2024 commencement ceremony, his appearance sparked walkouts and protests by students holding Palestinian flags.
At Tuesday’s event, Shem Tov—who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival and held by Hamas for 505 days—spoke about his experience in captivity. Now 21, Shem Tov said hope sustained him during his time as a hostage and that he is committed to advocating for the release of those still being held. An estimated 20 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza.
About Post Author
