The University of California, Berkeley commencement ceremony was disrupted by anti-Israel protesters, many of whom were graduating students wearing caps and gowns. The protesters were seen waving Palestinian flags, wearing keffiyehs, and denouncing the Israeli government. Chants of “Viva viva Palestina” and “Palestine will be free / From the river to the sea” were heard during the ceremony. Despite the interruptions, the university confirmed that there were no violent incidents or arrests at the event.
The disruption at UC Berkeley’s commencement ceremony is part of a larger trend of unrest at U.S. universities over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with thousands of students participating in protests against Israel. The controversial chant, “Palestine will be free / From the river to the sea,” has been widely condemned as antisemitic, and even led to a resolution by members of Congress denouncing its use. Despite the disruptions, speeches continued as planned, with speakers acknowledging the rowdy sections.
UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ commended the anti-Israel protesters, acknowledging their passion for addressing the brutality and violence in Gaza, as well as the destruction of educational institutions. Despite the disruptions, the university maintained that the ceremony proceeded as planned, with no incidents of violence or arrests. The protests at the commencement ceremony were seen as a characteristic aspect of Berkeley’s history of activism and student protests.
Prior to the commencement ceremony, graduating students expressed their expectation of protests but did not anticipate any disturbances. Students mentioned that while protests were a common occurrence at UC Berkeley, they generally remained peaceful and did not escalate into violence. The sentiment among students was that protests were a valid form of expression, and as long as they did not disrupt the event or turn violent, they should be allowed to voice their opinions.
With chants, flags, and protest signs, the anti-Israel protesters at UC Berkeley’s commencement ceremony made their voices heard amidst a backdrop of celebration and achievement. The disruptions, while significant, did not escalate into violence, allowing the ceremony to continue as planned. Students and university officials alike acknowledged the protesters’ passion and commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, even as they navigated the complexities of balancing free speech with the orderly conduct of a formal event.
