Jerry Seinfeld ignited backlash at Duke University after evaluating the “Free Palestine” slogan to the Ku Klux Klan.

Jerry Seinfeld drew sharp criticism Tuesday (September 9) after likening the “Free Palestine” motion to the Ku Klux Klan throughout an unannounced look at Duke University, the place he launched a former Israeli hostage.

The longtime comic and tv star made the remarks throughout a campus occasion targeted on Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov, who was held captive by Hamas for 505 days after being kidnapped on the Nova music pageant on October 7, 2023.

“Free Palestine is, to me, just — you’re free to say you don’t like Jews. Just say you don’t like Jews,” Seinfeld stated to the viewers. According to the Duke Chronicle, he went additional, drawing a direct comparability between pro-Palestinian slogans and white supremacist rhetoric.

“By saying Free Palestine, you’re not admitting what you really think…Compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m actually thinking the Klan is actually 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 occasion was solely open to Duke college students, school and employees. Seinfeld’s participation was not introduced upfront.

A Duke University spokesperson responded to the backlash by clarifying that the college doesn’t vet audio system’ remarks and that internet hosting them doesn’t point out endorsement.

Seinfeld has been outspoken in his assist for Israel all through the continued struggle in Gaza. In December 2023, he traveled to Tel Aviv, the place he met with hostage households and skilled a missile assault throughout his go to.

He stated the aim of the journey was to “call attention to the plight of the hostages.”

The Tuesday occasion marked Seinfeld’s second controversial second on Duke’s campus in latest months.

In May, he served because the college’s graduation speaker, a call that led to protests and a walkout by round 100 graduates carrying Palestinian flags.

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