In a show of opposition, pro-Palestinian protesters marched through downtown Syracuse last week, gathering outside the Landmark Theatre to protest comedian Jerry Seinfeld's stand-up show. The protesters accused the star of being "complicit in genocide" due to his support for Israel.

According to The Daily Orange, an independent student newspaper at Syracuse University, the demonstrators called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as well as an end to all U.S. aid to Israel. They also criticized House lawmakers for passing a resolution that declared anti-Zionism as antisemitism.

As people entered the Landmark Theatre for Seinfeld's show, protesters stood outside, with police forming a pathway between the two groups. The protesters chanted that Seinfeld was "complicit in genocide," emphasizing their demand for justice.

The local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), one of the organizations involved in organizing the protest, posted on Instagram: "Israel continues to escalate its genocidal atrocities day by day, bombing and starving Palestinians indiscriminately." The DSA called for a halt to holiday entertainment until Palestine is free and encouraged participants to bring artwork, flags, and signs.

The Syracuse Collective for Palestinian Liberation, the Syracuse chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the Resilient Indigenous Action Collective were among the other groups that collaborated with the local DSA chapter for the protest.

These protesters are part of a larger movement that has repeatedly called for similar actions and criticized Israel for retaliating against Hamas since the terrorist group launched attacks on residential areas on Oct. 7.

The demonstrators aimed to pressure the Biden administration to withdraw financial support for Israel. By protesting outside the Landmark Theatre where Seinfeld performed on Friday, they specifically targeted the comedian for his support of the nation.

Seinfeld, along with other Hollywood stars, condemned colleagues for hesitating to denounce Hamas' attacks on Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitism. On his Instagram account, Seinfeld posted an "I Stand With Israel" image two days after the initial attacks by Hamas, expressing his love for the Jewish homeland. He wrote, "My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities. But we are also a very strong people in our hearts and minds. We believe in justice, freedom, and equality. I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people."

Seinfeld's support for Israel extends to his participation in signing an open letter to the Writers Guild of America (WGA), censuring the union for being the "only major Hollywood union" to not provide a statement on the Hamas attack on Israel at the time.

While the protest against Jerry Seinfeld aimed to bring attention to the Palestine-Israel conflict, it also reflects a broader ongoing debate regarding the role of celebrities and their political positions, particularly when it comes to highly contentious and complex international issues.