Harvard in Turmoil Over Anti-Semitic Social Media Posts Amid Civil Rights Probe
Harvard University Faces Federal Investigation into Campus Anti-Semitism
Harvard University is currently under investigation by the Department of Education for its handling of anti-Semitic incidents on campus. Despite this, social media posts reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon reveal that anti-Semitism at Harvard continues to persist, with little effort from the school to address the issue.
Abdullah Akl: A Concerning Presence on Campus
One Harvard student, Abdullah Akl, who is pursuing a master’s degree in government, has raised alarm among pro-Israel students due to his social media activity. Akl’s posts call for an “Intifada” against Jews, deny the existence of Israel as a state, and encourage his followers to view the Zionist entity as an enemy. In one Instagram post, Akl even goes as far as stating that ”Zionists are indigenous to hell.”
Despite these troubling views, Akl proudly announced that he would be continuing his “academic journey” at Harvard after graduating from Long Island University-Brooklyn. He has even published an academic article under the Harvard name. Akl is listed as a Harvard graduate student on the website of MPower Change, an anti-Israel group, as well as on his LinkedIn profile.
Other Instances of Anti-Semitism on Campus
Akl is not the only individual promoting anti-Semitic sentiments at Harvard. Soaad Elbahwati, a student at Harvard Divinity School, sent a school-wide message urging her classmates to attend a “teach-in” hosted by the Queer Muslim Solidarity Network, featuring a Palestinian poet known as “Mx. Yaffa.” Yaffa has described Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel as a form of protest and has expressed support for the group’s actions.
Additionally, there is at least one Harvard undergraduate student, Syd Sanders, who openly cheers on terrorists attacking American troops. Sanders took to Instagram to praise a Houthi attack on a commercial tanker in the Red Sea, showing support for Yemen’s actions. The Iran-backed group had previously fired at American helicopters during a similar attack.
Harvard’s Response and the Call for Investigation
These social media posts come at a time when Harvard is already under investigation for its handling of anti-Semitic incidents. The Department of Education launched the investigation after receiving reports that Harvard had failed to appropriately respond to incidents and harassment targeting students of Jewish ancestry or Israeli nationality.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, believes that Akl, Elbahwati, and Sanders’s social media posts should be included in the ongoing investigation. He emphasizes the need for Harvard to address these issues and establish a stronger ethical foundation.
Jewish students at Harvard have criticized the school for its lack of response following Hamas’s attack. One student recounted an incident where a mob flooded into a study room, leading an anti-Semitic chant. Despite this, Harvard’s then-president, Claudine Gay, defended her efforts to combat campus anti-Semitism during a congressional hearing. However, she later resigned amid allegations of plagiarism in her academic work.
While Harvard’s interim president, Alan Garber, has expressed regret over the school’s initial response to Hamas’s attack, it remains to be seen whether he will take more aggressive action against campus anti-Semitism.
Akl, Elbahwati, and Sanders have not responded to requests for comment.
How can Harvard University address the concerns raised about the school’s commitment to addressing anti-Semitism?
Rafeef Ziadah. Ziadah has been accused of promoting anti-Israel rhetoric and has even performed at events organized by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to delegitimize Israel. Elbahwati’s message also included a quote from Ziadah that accused Israel of being a settler-colonial state. The fact that such events are being hosted on campus without any repercussions raises concerns about the school’s commitment to addressing anti-Semitism.
Furthermore, the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), a recognized student group on campus, has a history of promoting anti-Israel sentiment. In 2019, they organized an event featuring Israeli Apartheid Week, which aims to draw parallels between Israel and apartheid-era South Africa. The group has also participated in the BDS movement by calling for divestment from companies believed to be benefiting from the Israeli occupation.
While Harvard University claims to be committed to fostering an inclusive and tolerant environment, the evidence suggests otherwise. The school appears to be turning a blind eye to anti-Semitic incidents and individuals on campus. This not only undermines the experiences of Jewish students but also goes against the principles of academic freedom and respectful dialogue.
In response to the federal investigation, Harvard has stated that they are actively addressing issues of discrimination and harassment on campus. They have established an Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity to oversee these efforts. However, the lack of visible action in addressing specific instances of anti-Semitism raises doubts about the effectiveness of these measures.
It is crucial for Harvard University to take a strong stance against anti-Semitism and actively work towards creating a safe and inclusive space for all students. This includes promptly investigating and addressing reported incidents, holding individuals accountable for their actions, and actively promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse student groups.
As one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, Harvard has a responsibility to lead by example and stand against all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism. It is essential for the university to demonstrate its commitment to academic integrity, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring that all students can thrive in a respectful and supportive environment. Only then can Harvard truly fulfill its mission of providing exceptional education and fostering global leaders who will make a positive impact on society.
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