Watch: Students Walk Out of Jerry Seinfeld's Speech Over His Support for Israel

Duke University commencement speaker Jerry Seinfeld visited Israel and openly supported it after the October 7 Hamas attack. Photo: AP/Bill Snead

“We understand the depth of feeling in our community, and as we have throughout the year, we respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully without interfering with graduates and their families celebrating their accomplishments. «,» Duke spokesman Frank Tramble said in a statement.

Seinfeld has visited Israel and been an outspoken supporter since October 7, when Hamas killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 252 more, of whom 133 are believed to remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, health officials in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave have killed more than 35,000 Palestinians as a result of Israeli military operations.

Last Tuesday, the White House said the president. US Joe Biden welcomes peaceful protests at college commencement ceremonies, where he and other administration officials will speak.

The Duke graduation walkout was the latest manifestation of protests that have gripped campuses across the country as students call on universities to abandon arms supplies and other companies profiting from the war; and amnesty for students and teachers who were punished or fired for the protests.

Protests have prompted some US universities, including New York's Columbia University and U. Southern California Los Angeles is canceling its major graduation ceremonies this month.