In a new episode of the pro-Palestinian movement on American campuses, dozens of students walked out and booed a college graduation ceremony as comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who has voiced his support for of Israel, was awarded an honorary doctorate, according to video recordings published on social networks, AFP informs.
The international student movement in support of the Palestinians, in full war in the Gaza Strip, started a few weeks ago in the United States, by far the most important diplomatic and military ally of Israel, writes Agerpres.
In images posted online, several students from the prestigious Duke University could be seen protesting the presence of actor Jerry Seinfeld, an American stand-up and comedy star who is usually apolitical but whose recent stance in favor of Israel has drawn criticism.
Jerry Seinfeld is the protagonist of the series “Seinfeld”. Photo YouTube video capture
Some of the students waved Palestinian flags and several boos could be heard, forcing the chancellor of the American university, Vincent Price, to briefly interrupt his presentation of Jerry Seinfeld while the actor stood by his side.
Jerry Seinfeld accepted that honorary degree to the applause of the other students and then gave his graduation speech without further interruption.
“A privilege if you want to be an actor”
He made no allusion to the war in the Gaza Strip and only briefly mentioned his membership in the Jewish community. “I grew up as a Jewish boy in New York. It's a privilege if you want to be an actor,” he said.
Jerry Seinfeld remained a consensus comedian for a very long time, known especially as the creator and protagonist of the series “Seinfeld”, one of the most popular sitcoms in the history of television.
In the midst of graduation season in the United States, many netizens shared images from other American universities that showed, for example, students waving Palestinian flags or referring to the war in the Gaza Strip during their speeches on stage.
The pro-Palestinian movement has stirred public opinion in the United States, with some accusing the students of anti-Semitism behind the denunciation of Israel, and others demanding that the freedom of expression of young people be respected.
In recent weeks, American police have arrested over 2,000 people on college campuses across the country. The protests spread abroad, from France to Mexico and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, student protesters have called on their universities to cut ties with companies and institutions involved in Israel's war on Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories, which is illegal under international law.
