Revised Title:
"Jerry Seinfeld Compares Pro-Palestine Movement to Ku Klux Klan"

Key Adjustments:

• Corrected "Klu Klux Klan" to "Ku Klux Klan."
• Changed "Free Palestine" to "Pro-Palestine" for clarity and common usage.
• Maintained title case and neutral phrasing.

Jerry Seinfeld Compares Free Palestine Movement to KKK at Duke University Event
By Adam S. Levy | Updated: 11 September 2025

[IMAGE: Jerry Seinfeld at a 2024 event in Los Angeles]
Caption: Jerry Seinfeld sparked controversy with remarks at a Duke University-hosted event.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, 71, stirred backlash Tuesday after claiming the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is “a little better” than supporters of the Free Palestine movement. The comments were made during a Chabad-organized event at Duke University honoring hostages held in Gaza, according to The Duke Chronicle.

Seinfeld, introducing former Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov, criticized the Free Palestine slogan, stating, “By saying ‘Free Palestine,’ you’re not admitting what you really think.” He added, “The Klan can come right out and say, ‘We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews’—that’s honest.”

[IMAGE: Pro-Palestine protest at UCLA in 2023]
Caption: Free Palestine rallies have surged globally since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023.

The event, restricted to Duke students and staff, was not publicly advertised. A university spokesperson clarified that hosting speakers “does not imply endorsement,” noting Chabad student leaders organized the gathering. Mason Herman, Chabad’s president, told NBC News the focus was on raising awareness for hostages, not Seinfeld’s remarks.

Seinfeld, a vocal Israel supporter since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, visited Tel Aviv months after the assault, meeting hostages’ families. Reflecting on a missile strike during his trip, he said, “It gave me a new understanding of war’s horrors.”

[IMAGE: Seinfeld in Israel post-2023 Hamas attack]
Caption: Seinfeld has consistently backed Israel following the 2023 crisis.

The comedian’s comparison drew swift criticism online, with critics calling it a false equivalence. Others defended his stance, citing free speech. Duke University reiterated its neutrality, while Chabad emphasized the event’s humanitarian purpose.

[IMAGE: Seinfeld at Duke’s 2024 graduation]
Caption: Seinfeld previously spoke at Duke’s commencement in May 2024.

Seinfeld concluded his speech by urging attention to the hostages’ plight, calling the event “incredible.” His representatives have not commented further.

— Daily Mail has reached out to Seinfeld’s team for additional remarks.

Key Points:

• Seinfeld criticized Free Palestine advocates for “hiding” antisemitism.
• Duke University distanced itself from his comments.
• The event highlighted over 40 hostages still detained in Gaza.

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