Harvard Responds After New President Faces First Challenge, Learns Of Faculty Group's Antisemitic Post

Harvard’s interim president, Alan Garber, didn’t have to wait long for his first challenge in responding to antisemitism within his school.

Late on Sunday night, a series of anti-Semitic graphics appeared on the "Harvard Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine" Instagram page. This group is a collection of 112 people who have all pledged to advocate for Palestine, despite the fact that they initiated the conflict in Israel. 

The group’s aim is to support "the cause of Palestinian liberation," and it "wholeheartedly reject[s] accusations that critique of the Israeli state is antisemitic."

When this graphic appeared on X, it caught the attention of Harvard Divinity School scholar and rabbi David Wolpe. Basically, the post was insinuating that Israel openly sought to oppress not just Palestinians, but black people as well, especially in the Civil Rights movement.

"Zionism" is a term used to describe the movement where Jews wanted to have a country of their own in the region that it exists in today. How this means that Jews oppressed black people is beyond me.

Wolpe used to work for the school’s anti-Semitism advisory committee, but resigned after calling Harvard’s system "evil." Harvard’s ideological problem was clearly not fixed after former school president Claudine Gay got fired.

Several other prominent figures blasted the group for this post, including Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby, Fox News’ Guy Benson, and actress Patricia Heaton.

Garber said in his first statement in this position that he wanted to create a stronger sense of unity within the school.

"Seeking ways to learn from our differences has never mattered more. Rededicating ourselves to free inquiry and expression, in a climate of inclusion and a spirit of mutual respect, has never mattered more," Garber said.

The school seems to be working towards that goal - for now. Jason Newton, Harvard's Director of Media Relations and Communications, offered the following statement to our request for comment:

"The university is aware of social media posts today containing deeply offensive antisemitic tropes and messages from organizations whose membership includes Harvard affiliates. Such despicable messages have no place in the Harvard community. We condemn these posts in the strongest possible terms.

This matter is being reviewed by the University and is being referred to the Harvard College Administrative Board, which is responsible for the application and enforcement of undergraduate academic regulations and social conduct.

Harvard rejects antisemitism in all of its forms. We are determined to combat any such hate and bias in our community."

Additionally, the group has apologized for its actions, but also implied that they didn't directly share the post.

(c/o Harvard Faculty and Staff for justice in Palestine (Instagram))

This is a good first step. Time will tell if Harvard continues to weed out antisemtism on its campus.