Concerned citizens have launched a letter writing campaign to demand that those scheduling the Luther Burbank Center’s events review their processes to ensure that future events match the Center’s stated mission and values. Promoting openly racist entertainers, such as Jerry Seinfeld, who support and celebrate the dispossession and genocide of an entire people does not reflect LBC’s stated mission, values or purpose.
Key Points
LBC’s Mission Statement: “To enrich, educate and entertain children and adults of the North Bay through accessible and outstanding presentations of arts, family and entertainment performances, education programs, visual arts and community use of our facility.”
LBC’s Values:
- Accessible, inclusive, and welcoming
- Belief in the power of arts, education, and community connection
- Responsive, adaptable, and resilient
LBC’s Purpose: To enrich lives through arts, education, and shared experiences.
The impact of celebrity actions and statements
The actions and statements of celebrities can significantly shape public opinion. Their outsized influence raises concerns about the responsibility and accountability of celebrities in their public statements."
In 2015, Seinfeld stated that he avoids performing on college campuses because students have become too easily offended by his comedic routines.
On May 2024, Seinfeld’s commencement speech at Duke University propelled students to walk out of the ceremony.
Seinfeld openly celebrates genocide.
On Jan 7, 2018, photos were posted online of Seinfeld posing with a machine gun at Caliber 3, an Israeli military-style tourist attraction. The post included the comment, ‘Finally we are allowed to tell you! Jerry Seinfeld and his family were in Caliber 3. During their visit to Israel last week, they came to us for a special and exciting activity with displays of combat, Krav Maga, assault dogs and lots of Zionism. It was great.’ Following widespread outrage the photos were removed.
Seinfeld equates opposing genocide with the rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan.
September 2025: Seinfeld sparked outrage by comparing the ‘Free Palestine’ movement to the rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan. This statement was perceived as offensive and antisemitic by many.
Seinfeld denies and ridicules the right of Palestinians to exist.
Seinfeld’s remarks about Palestine, including denying its existence, have sparked a significant backlash. On June 2026, Seinfeld faced backlash after stating that Palestine “doesn’t exist” during an event outside Madison Square Garden. This comment was condemned by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which described it as a denial of Palestinian identity and rights.
Sources
Links
Seinfeld under fire over visit to West Bank military camp
Seinfeld boosts Israel's shoot-to-kill fantasy tours
Wikipedia: Seinfeld
