700 Undergraduate Jewish Students (9.8% of Campus)
2,500 Graduate Jewish Students (52.5% of Campus)
Since October 7, Harvard University has become the most infamous hotspot of campus antisemitism in America. The university’s alleged selective enforcement of anti-discrimination policies, in addition to the resignation of former President Claudine Gay, underscores the deep-rooted problems within Harvard's leadership and culture.
Many of the incidents and activities at Harvard have attracted national media attention, including an antisemitic cartoon that was published by a group of faculty. Most recently, a Harvard maintenance employee was caught taking down posters of hostages.
We have been organizing around Hillel and Chabad. Sapir, the Israel fellow at Hillel, has been wonderful in providing support. There is a very active group chat of Jewish undergrads, grads, and faculty that's been helpful for sharing information and reporting when necessary.
Essentially nothing has been done in light of these attacks. A new task force was formed under the leadership of Professor Derek Penslar and others. They have done very little to improve the experience for Jewish students on campus. It appears that Interim President Alan Garber is unwilling or unable to take action.
I have seen WJC's social media posts shared widely on social media, which I appreciate. Also, I have enjoyed interacting with Jewish leaders who are doing all sorts of meaningful things through my project.