Jerry Seinfeld Clashes With Pro-Palestinian Hecklers Again During Tour

Jerry Seinfeld was heckled by pro-Palestinian protesters while performing a show in Australia, video footage shared on social media shows.

On October 7, Hamas, a Palestinian military organization, attacked southern Israel, where local officials say about 1,200 people were killed in the ambush and some 250 people were taken hostage. Since then, Israeli forces have razed much of Gaza, displacing many of its 2.3 million residents. According to the Associated Press, citing Gaza health officials, more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza,

In the months since the war began, celebrities have shared their thoughts on the conflict. Some have advocated for Palestinians, while others—including Seinfeld—have shown support for Israel.

On June 18, Seinfeld, who has received support and criticism for his pro-Israel stance, performed at the ICC Sydney Theatre, and two audience members unfurled a Palestinian flag as they shouted, "Free Palestine," per 7 News Australia.

"Wow, you're doing great," Seinfeld, 70, quipped in response as other audience members booed the hecklers. "You're getting them on your side. Can you hear it? It's working."

As security dealt with the situation, Seinfeld continued from the stage: "You have strong political feelings, but you don't know where to say them. You think that ruining the night—it doesn't affect me. All these people, you're ruining their night."

Seinfeld drew laughs from the audience as he said the interruption had been "all set up" by him, adding: "This is a friend of mine. I'm gonna introduce him. His name is Hymie Goldstein."

"I love them too," Seinfeld said of the protesters. "They just need a little direction of, you know, where to use their tremendous brain power."

"Thank you for coming," he added in a direct address to the hecklers. "Did you like the horse bit before you left? Did you get a little laugh anyway?"

Newsweek has contacted a representative of Seinfeld for comment via email.

The comedian faced a similar confrontation on Sunday during another show in Sydney, reports say, when a demonstrator shouted, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."

"We have a genius, ladies and gentlemen. He solved the Middle East. He solved it," Seinfeld responded. "It's the Jewish comedians, that's who we have to get. They're the ones doing everything."

"You're really influencing everyone here," Seinfeld said as the shouting continued. "We're all on your side now because you have made your point so well and in the right venue. You've come to the right place for political conversation."

Drawing cheers from the audience, the comedian said: "Tomorrow, we will read in the paper: Middle East 100 percent solved thanks to man at the Qudos Arena stopping Jew comedian. They stopped him, and everyone in the Middle East just went, 'Oh my God, let's get along. We can't do that.'"

In the 1990s, Seinfeld was known for his apolitical, observational comedy style. However, the star has spoken out against the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

He traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel, in December to meet with the families of hostages taken by Hamas, and he has shown support for Israel on social media.

Like many public figures who have shared their views on the conflict—whether in support of Israel, Palestinians or neutrality—Seinfeld has come under fire for his comments.

In May, video footage showed a student walkout during his commencement speech at Duke University. Students began to leave their seats as the university's president introduced the comedian. As they exited the football field where the ceremony was being held, some students congregated to carry a large Palestinian flag.