Jerry Seinfeld Gets Emotional Recalling Israel Trip Amidst Protests

Jerry Seinfeld got emotional while discussing his trip to Israel after the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. He called the visit "the most powerful experience" of his life. Seinfeld has faced backlash over his open support for Israel, including heckling during his stand-up gigs and commencement speeches.

Jerry Seinfeld became visibly emotional while discussing his trip to Israel following the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. During a sit-down interview on "Honestly with Bari Weiss" from The Free Press, Seinfeld said the visit was "the most powerful experience" of his life.

When asked why the trip had such a profound impact on him, Seinfeld paused for a long moment before saying, "You know, you just….you know." Weiss then added, "Are you thinking of someone in particular?" Seinfeld nodded and rubbed his nose before pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket.

Seinfeld has faced public backlash over his open support for Israel as it wages war against Gaza for the deadly October 7 attack. Two days after the attack, he wrote an "I Stand With Israel" post on his Instagram account.

"I lived and worked on a Kibbutz in Israel when I was 16 and I have loved our Jewish homeland ever since," he wrote in a caption. "My heart is breaking from these attacks and atrocities. But we are also a very strong people in our hearts and minds."

Seinfeld's support for Israel has drawn criticism from some, who accuse him of ignoring the plight of Palestinians. However, Seinfeld has said that he believes Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorism.

In the interview with Weiss, Seinfeld said that he often tells the audience he loves that young people are trying to get engaged with politics, but their "aim" needs to be corrected.

"It's so silly," he said. "It's like, you know, they want to, they want to express this sincere, intense rage. But again, a little off target."

Seinfeld has faced protesting hecklers during several of his recent stand-up gigs and commencement speeches. Earlier this month, one of his gigs in Virginia was interrupted by a protester who claimed the comedian was a "genocide supporter." Seinfeld also faced heckling during his Duke University commencement speech in May, with some students shouting "Free Palestine" and dozens walking out just as he was introduced.

Despite the protests, Seinfeld has said that he will continue to speak out in support of Israel.

"I'm not going to let these people intimidate me," he said. "I'm not going to stop talking about Israel. I love Israel and I believe in Israel."