Jerry Seinfeld Calls "Free Palestine" Antisemitic at Duke

Comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld, famous worldwide for his hit 1990s sitcom Seinfeld, sparked a strong reaction after comments he made at Duke University in North Carolina. Speaking during a private university event, Seinfeld described the "Free Palestine" movement as antisemitic and compared it to the Ku Klux Klan, the historically violent racist group in the United States.

Seinfeld, who is Jewish, made these remarks while introducing Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli man who had been abducted by Hamas from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Tov spent 505 days in captivity before being released.

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Seinfeld’s Remarks on the “Free Palestine” Movement

According to the student newspaper, The Duke Chronicle, Seinfeld 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 continued by making a controversial comparison:

"By saying Free Palestine, you're not admitting what you really think. So, 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."

Through this statement, Seinfeld implied that the slogan "Free Palestine," in some cases, is used to express antisemitic sentiment indirectly. By contrast, he argued, the Klan openly expressed its hateful beliefs without hiding behind slogans or political statements.

Context of the Event

The event at Duke University was held on Tuesday and was open exclusively to students, faculty, and staff. It was organized jointly by student groups and the university. Seinfeld’s presence was primarily to introduce Omer Shem Tov, whose personal story of being held captive by Hamas for over 500 days was the main focus.

A Duke University spokesperson told The Duke Chronicle that Seinfeld had requested that his appearance not be announced in advance. The reason, they explained, was to keep the focus on Shem Tov’s experience, rather than on Seinfeld himself.

The university added:

"Duke does not preview the remarks of speakers who are invited to campus, and the invitation of speakers to campus does not imply any endorsement of their remarks."

So far, neither Seinfeld nor his spokesperson has issued a separate statement clarifying or elaborating on the remarks made at Duke.

Seinfeld’s Background and Views

Jerry Seinfeld is well-known not only as a comedian but also as a person who frequently speaks out against antisemitism. He has publicly supported Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza and has been vocal about his personal experiences relating to the conflict.

In December 2023, Seinfeld visited Tel Aviv to meet with families of Israeli hostages. During this trip, he witnessed a missile attack firsthand. Seinfeld later said that this experience gave him a much deeper understanding of the realities and horrors of war, which has influenced his personal opinions and advocacy.

Past Statements on Israel and the War

In April 2024, speaking to GQ magazine, Seinfeld explained his approach to discussing the war:

"I don't preach about [the war]. I have my personal feelings about it that I discuss privately. It's not part of what I can do comedically, but my feelings are very strong."

This reflects how Seinfeld separates his professional work as a comedian from his personal political beliefs, though he remains active in speaking about issues related to Israel and antisemitism when he feels it is necessary.

The Controversial Comparison

Seinfeld’s remarks about the Ku Klux Klan drew attention because the Klan is historically known for its violent actions against Black people and Jewish communities, among others. Seinfeld did not suggest that the Klan is morally acceptable; rather, he used the comparison to highlight what he sees as a lack of honesty in expressing antisemitic sentiments.

By saying that some individuals use the slogan "Free Palestine" as a way to mask antisemitism, Seinfeld sparked debate among students, media outlets, and social media users. His comments touched on sensitive topics, including the Israel-Palestine conflict, antisemitism, and freedom of speech.

University Response

Duke University emphasized that inviting a speaker does not mean endorsing their views. They also clarified that they do not review or approve the content of speakers’ remarks beforehand. This is a standard policy at many universities to preserve free speech while also making it clear that the institution may not agree with everything said by guest speakers.

The university's spokesperson said:

"Speakers are invited to share their perspectives. The University does not take responsibility for the personal views expressed by these speakers."

This statement helps distance the university from Seinfeld’s controversial comments while reaffirming their support for freedom of expression.

Why This Matters

Seinfeld’s remarks are significant because of his public stature. He is one of the most recognizable comedians in the world, and his opinions often attract widespread attention. His linking of the "Free Palestine" movement to antisemitism and making a controversial comparison to the Ku Klux Klan is likely to generate discussion about the Israel-Palestine conflict, antisemitism, and the role of celebrities in political discourse.

Additionally, Seinfeld’s visit to introduce Omer Shem Tov highlights his personal connection to events in Israel, particularly the stories of hostages and their families. His remarks should be understood in this context, as someone who has witnessed the consequences of conflict firsthand.

Public Reaction

While there has not yet been a formal statement from Seinfeld, reactions from students, faculty, and the wider public are expected. Some may agree with Seinfeld’s view that antisemitism is being expressed under the guise of political slogans. Others may feel his comparison to the Klan is too extreme or inappropriate.

Social media platforms, news outlets, and discussion forums are likely to continue debating the implications of his statements. The controversy shows how sensitive and complex discussions about Israel, Palestine, and antisemitism can be, especially when public figures weigh in.

Jerry Seinfeld’s remarks at Duke University have brought attention to the way language and slogans can carry hidden meanings. By calling the "Free Palestine" movement antisemitic and comparing it to the Ku Klux Klan, Seinfeld aimed to highlight what he sees as a lack of honesty in expressing prejudice.

The event also served to introduce Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli man who survived 505 days in Hamas captivity. Duke University clarified that Seinfeld’s appearance does not imply endorsement of his views, emphasizing that universities can host diverse speakers without necessarily agreeing with their opinions.

Seinfeld’s long-standing stance against antisemitism, his personal experiences in Israel, and his careful separation of comedy from personal beliefs all form the context of these comments. While controversial, his statements reflect a broader conversation about free speech, political movements, and the responsibilities of public figures.