Jerry Seinfeld made a controversial appearance at Duke University on Tuesday, where he compared the “free Palestinian” movement to the Ku Crooks Klan. The university newspaper The Chronicle reported on Seinfeld’s comments after it took place at an event featuring Omer Shem Tov, a former Israeli hostage captured in Hamas for 505 days.
“Free Palestine is free to say to me that you don’t like Jews,” Seinfeld said. “Tell me you don’t like Jews. By saying ‘Free Palestine’ you don’t accept what you’re really thinking. In fact, I think clans are actually a bit better compared to the Kukuruks Clan. I’m honest. ”
Variety is reaching out to Seinfeld’s representative for comments.
A Duke University spokesman told the Chronicle: “Duke has not previewed the comments of speakers invited to campus, and the invitation of speakers to campus does not imply approving their comments.”
The event held a conversation with Omar Shem Tov about his spiritual journey while being held hostage after being invited to Hamas while attending the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023. According to the Chronicle, Seinfeld was “a brief introduction to Shem Tov and moderator of the event, Sen Citrick, NC, d-durham.” The event was “sponsored primarily by Duke Chabad and sponsored by Provost initiatives on Middle East, University Centres and Jewish student groups.” The appearance of Seinfeld was not promoted in advance.
Seinfeld has become openly in his support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He traveled to Israel in December 2023 to meet with the hostage family filmed in the attack on October 7th. He later faced protesters in May 2024 while earning his honorary degree from Duke University, and was enveloped in Palestinian supporters at a June 2024 comedy show in Sydney, Australia. His set was confused by chants such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
“We have geniuses, women, gentlemen. He has settled the Middle East!” Seinfeld ironically told Heckler as the audience laughed and cheered. “It’s a Jewish comedian. It’s the people we have to get! They’re the people who do everything.”
As Heckler was kicked out of the arena and kept screaming “Palestine will be free,” Seinfeld said, “Go ahead and continue! They will start punching you in about three seconds, so I can learn from all of you.
Seinfeld received an honorary degree from Duke University, but dozens of students left the graduation ceremony and chanted “Free and Free Palestine” in protest of his appearance. Others in the crowd responded to the protesters with applause and cheers of Seinfeld’s approval.
