Jewish USC students host their own graduation after weeks of rampant pro-Palestine protests banned the school’s main ceremony

After the University of Southern California canceled its main stage commencement ceremony, Jewish students held their own graduation event, which included a celebrity guest speaker.

The university has canceled its main commencement following days of unrest on campus due to chaotic protests over the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war, ostensibly due to the extra time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus and which will be subject to increased security measures. measures.

USC valedictorian Asna Tabassum was banned from giving a speech at the university’s commencement ceremony after allegedly posting anti-Semitic messages on social media calling for the “complete abolition” of Israel.

USC Hillel hosted its own graduation ceremony for more than 50 students and their families on Friday, ahead of the smaller stage introductions taking place throughout the university.

“Many people have tried to take these joyful moments away from us. We come together as a community in a safe environment, in a healing environment – ​​something the university could not provide,” Mark Rayant, a master’s degree graduate, told the university. Los Angeles Times.

USC Hillel hosted its own graduation ceremony for more than 50 students and their families on Friday, ahead of the smaller stage introductions taking place across the university

More than 50 students, dressed in black robes and red sashes, and nearly 200 guests gathered for the event at USC’s Hillel Center campus as private security guards watched over the event

Guest speaker Mayim Bialik, actress and former ‘Jeopardy!’ host, addressed the students by video

More than 50 students, dressed in black robes and red sashes, and nearly 200 guests gathered for the event at USC’s Hillel Center campus as private security guards watched over the event.

Guest speaker Mayim Bialik, actress and former ‘Jeopardy!’ host, addressed the students by video.

“What a four years you’ve had,” she said. ‘The past year in particular has been a real challenge, but this is life. This is your life.’

“You had to shine brighter than you expected… and you had to be committed leaders and advocates.”

USC Hillel Executive Director Dave Cohen told The Times that the school year ended under a “very, very dark cloud.”

“No matter how you view these issues — as a person of Jewish identity or as a person in general — there is no denying that this has left the atmosphere depleted and depressed,” Cohn said.

Hillel International highlights the graduation ceremony on their Instagram, sharing photos of the ceremony and the new graduates.

‘When USC canceled the commencement ceremony on the main stage, USC Hillel took action to support Jewish students. More than 50 graduating Jewish students were recognized at a well-deserved graduation ceremony, along with 200 family members, friends, professors and classmates,” the organization said.

“No matter what happens in the world and on campus, Hillel will ALWAYS put students first. Mazel Tov to the Class of 2024, we can’t wait to see all the great things you do!”

Pro-Palestinian protests continued at commencement ceremonies across the country, despite many being canceled after weeks of clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators, administrators and law enforcement.

A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation on campus

Students carrying Palestinian flags and chanting “free, free Palestine” walked out of Duke University’s commencement ceremony as guest speaker Jerry Seinfeld was introduced

Graduating students put on handcuffs, displayed Palestinian flags and tore up diplomas during a graduation ceremony at embattled Columbia University

A graduate social worker walked onto the stage with her hands zipped above her head as cheers rang out from the audience

Graduating students put on handcuffs, displayed Palestinian flags and tore up diplomas during a graduation ceremony at the embattled Columbia University.

A graduate social worker walked onto the stage with her hands zipped above her head as cheers rang out from the audience.

As a livestream of the event appeared, she turned to the crowd and tore her diploma into pieces.

Dozens of students stormed out of Duke University’s commencement ceremony in protest against guest speaker Jerry Seinfeld, who has supported Israel since Hamas’s Oct. 7 brutality and throughout the war in Gaza.

The comedian, 70, received a mixture of cheers and boos when he was introduced before students carrying flags and chanting “free, free Palestine” marched out of Wallace Wade Stadium on Sunday.

As a wave of anti-war protests gripped universities across America, a flyer was distributed on campus before the ceremony that read: “If you see students walking out, follow them,” WRAL reported.

Other graduates shouted “Jerry!” Jerry!’ while the actor received an honorary doctorate and delivered his speech without any further major interruptions.