Harvard Alumni Threaten Donation Halt Amid Antisemitism Concerns

Harvard University is currently being scrutinized by its own Jewish alumni over concerns that the institution has not adequately addressed antisemitic incidents on campus. More than 1,600 Jewish Harvard alumni, united under the Harvard College Jewish Alumni Association (HCJAA), are pressing the university's leaders to take decisive action against what they perceive to be a growing tide of antisemitism. These alumni are poised to withhold their donations in a push for better protection and recognition for Jewish students.

Open Letter to Leadership

An open letter addressed to Harvard President Claudine Gay and Dean of Harvard College Rakesh Khurana has amassed a significant number of signatures from HCJAA members. The letter implores Harvard to establish measures that safeguard its students from antisemitic abuse and harassment, a move that follows on the heels of intensified scrutiny directed at higher education institutions in the U.S. for their handling of such issues. The call to action comes in the wake of a storm of criticism stemming from Israel's military interventions in Gaza following terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7.

The HCJAA, which formed in reaction to recent events, expressed their shock and dismay at having to demand such basic acknowledgments at an esteemed university like Harvard. In their letter, they condemn the institution's initial silent response to the Hamas attacks, construed by the alumni as Harvard’s tacit approval of the aggression against civilians.

Demands For University Action

Despite subsequent acknowledgment of the situation by President Claudine Gay, the HCJAA has outlined several unmet expectations. They recommend mandatory antisemitism training for university staff and students, the crafting of a clear plan for Jewish student protection, and a thorough strategy to curtail the spread of hateful rhetoric on campus.

The alumni also suggest the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, further explaining that this would help clarify that calls for the destruction of a Jewish state or holding all Jews accountable for policies of Israel are antisemitic in nature. Rebecca Claire Brooks, a leading voice of the alumni association, shared these sentiments in a dialogue with Fox News Digital FOX.

This action coincides with the recent notice from the Biden Administration warning educational institutions that they could forfeit federal funds should they fail to combat antisemitism as well as Islamophobia effectively.

At the time of reporting, neither Harvard University nor the HCJAA have provided comments in response to these developments, with requests made outside standard business hours.

Harvard, Alumni, Antisemitism