The Wexner Foundation Cuts Ties with Harvard Over Response to Hamas Attacks
The Wexner Foundation, a nonprofit founded by billionaire Leslie Wexner and his wife Abigail, has severed its relationship with Harvard University due to the school’s inadequate response to the Hamas terror attacks against Israelis and an anti-Israel statement issued by student groups.
In a scathing letter to the Harvard board of overseers, the Wexner Foundation’s leadership expressed their shock and disgust at the university’s failure to condemn the barbaric murders of innocent Israeli civilians by terrorists. The letter, obtained by The Epoch Times, called out Harvard’s silence on the matter.
Leslie and Abigail Wexner, whose fortune is estimated at $6 billion, were among the signatories of the letter. They expressed their disappointment with Harvard’s failure to denounce the statement made by 34 student groups, which placed the blame solely on Israel for the violent attack carried out by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
According to reports, over 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in the terror attacks, with around 80% of the victims showing signs of torture. The Wexner Foundation’s decision to sever ties with Harvard comes in the wake of the university’s failure to address these atrocities.
Covered bodies at kibbutz Beeri near the border with Gaza, on Oct. 11, 2023, the site of an attack by Hamas terrorists days earlier. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)
Following the attacks, 34 student groups co-signed a letter blaming the Israeli regime for the violence. The letter emphasized that Israeli violence has shaped every aspect of Palestinian existence for the past 75 years.
Harvard faced criticism for its silence on the Hamas attacks and the student letter. Former Harvard president Larry Summers condemned the students’ statement, expressing his disgust. However, Harvard’s response was deemed insufficient by the Wexners.
The Wexner Foundation accused Harvard leaders of “tiptoeing, equivocating,” and failing to disassociate the university from the student groups’ statement. In light of this, the foundation decided to sever all financial and programmatic ties with Harvard and the Harvard Kennedy School.
CEOs Seek to Blacklist Students Over Anti-Israel Letter
The backlash against the Harvard student groups’ anti-Israel statement extended beyond the university. Several CEOs of U.S. companies expressed their willingness to blacklist Harvard students who supported the letter.
Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman revealed that CEOs had approached him, asking if Harvard would release a list of the signatories to ensure they would not inadvertently hire any of them. Ackman’s comments received support from other business leaders.
Israeli soldiers carry the body of a victim of an attack by militants from Gaza at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, in southern Israel, on Oct. 10, 2023. (Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters)
Some of the student organizations that signed the letter later retracted their support due to backlash and safety concerns. The Wexner Foundation’s decision to cut ties with Harvard reflects a misalignment of core values between the two entities.
Harvard University President Claudine Gay issued a brief statement condemning the Hamas terrorist acts but emphasized that students have the right to express their own views. However, the Wexners deemed this response insufficient compared to other university presidents who unequivocally condemned the acts of terror.
The Wexner Foundation’s decision to sever ties with Harvard sends a strong message about the importance of taking a clear moral stand against terrorism and supporting the victims of such atrocities.
How did the Harvard student groups’ statement on the Hamas terror attacks impact the Wexner Foundation’s decision?
Fficient by the Wexner Foundation and other prominent figures in the Jewish community.
The Wexner Foundation, known for its philanthropic efforts supporting Jewish education and leadership development, has had a longstanding relationship with Harvard University. However, the foundation has decided to sever ties with the prestigious institution due to what it perceives as a failure to condemn the Hamas terror attacks and an anti-Israel statement issued by student groups.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Harvard board of overseers, the leadership of the Wexner Foundation expressed its shock and disgust at the university’s silence on the matter. The letter, obtained by The Epoch Times, highlights the foundation’s disappointment with Harvard’s failure to denounce the statement made by 34 student groups, which solely blamed Israel for the violent attack carried out by Hamas terrorists.
The Wexners, who are among the signatories of the letter, have a personal fortune estimated at $6 billion. Their decision to sever ties with Harvard underscores the seriousness of their concerns and their commitment to holding institutions accountable for their responses to terrorism.
The terror attacks orchestrated by Hamas resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis, predominantly innocent civilians. Shockingly, around 80% of the victims showed signs of torture, highlighting the brutality of these attacks. The Wexner Foundation’s decision to cut ties with Harvard stems from the university’s lack of addressing these atrocities and its failure to stand up against terrorism.
The controversy further intensified when 34 student groups co-signed a letter blaming the Israeli regime for the violence. This letter argued that Israeli violence has shaped every aspect of Palestinian existence for the past 75 years. Such a statement not only distorts the facts but also undermines the ongoing peace efforts between Israel and Palestine.
Former Harvard president Larry Summers publicly condemned the students’ statement, expressing his disgust. However, the Wexner Foundation and many others believe that Harvard’s response was insufficient given the gravity of the situation.
This incident has raised concerns about the university’s commitment to standing up against terrorism and promoting fairness in its academic environment. The Wexner Foundation’s decision to severe ties with Harvard serves as a wake-up call, urging the institution to reassess its priorities and take a firm stance against terrorism and anti-Israel sentiment.
It is crucial for academic institutions like Harvard to condemn acts of terrorism firmly. Harvard, as a leading educational institution, holds significant influence and can contribute positively to societal discourse. Failing to address acts of terror and promote fair and balanced discussions not only undermines its credibility but also risks perpetuating violence and hatred.
Moving forward, it is hoped that Harvard University and other academic institutions will prioritize condemning terrorism and fostering an inclusive environment for all students. It is imperative that educational institutions stand up against hate and violence, promoting dialogue and understanding instead.
By severing ties with Harvard, the Wexner Foundation has taken a principled stand against silence in the face of terrorism. Their decision serves as a reminder that supporting academic institutions should align with values of justice, human rights, and a commitment to peace.
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