Dear HJAA friends,

Happy Yom Ha’atzmaut 77! What an incredible blessing to live in this miraculous era, when the Jewish people have returned to their Biblical homeland and created one of the happiest, most innovative and most MORAL nations on earth!

Back at Harvard, the long anticipated – and very long – Final Report of the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias has finally been released. HJAA’s official comment is here.

We are still in the process of examining the full 311 page document. A few early thoughts: 

First, we appreciate the immense effort that went into creating this report. The extensive documentation of historic and recent antisemitism in academic and social contexts represents an important step towards remedying the problems. Harvard took a hard look in the mirror – not easy. We look forward to seeing necessary changes implemented speedily.

The report begins with a warning, expressing the Task Force’s concern that the work will be “undermined” by “external parties” and that Harvard should be left alone to “fix itself.” 

Given how deeply impactful antisemitism at Harvard has been, and how long these problems have been allowed to fester, the Jewish community should not have to wait any longer or cultivate “buy in” from those who have ostracized and attacked Jews and their homeland.

Last (for now), the antisemitism report was released simultaneously with the report of the Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian Bias. The Crimson even covered the story of the “twin task forces.” It is time for this pairing to end. The situations are not the same, and each deserves to be examined separately so as not to create a false equivalence. 

Exclusive Insights on Funding Freeze, Harvard’s lawsuit, and Antisemitism from Prominent Alumni

HJAA is proud to share exclusive insight on the deeper impact of current events from two prominent members of our community. 

Note: Both of these short pieces were written before the Task Force Report was released.

While prefrosh descended on Harvard last weekend, Harvard students flocked to the 48-hour “Founders Hackathon,” organized by The Camel. This unique and innovative approach to combating antisemitism through innovation, human connection, and creativity was a huge success.

• The event paired MIT and Harvard students with Israeli mentors to tackle biotech, AI, and cybersecurity challenges
• There were many non-Jewish student participants— showcasing success in reaching broader audiences  
• Jonathan Kraft spoke at the event, highlighting how they were “fighting darkness with light” by normalizing Israeli/Jewish presence on campus

About The Camel: “Through our flagship Hackathon, we unite the trinity of entrepreneurship: Harvard’s leadership, MIT’s technical prowess, and Israel’s startup spirit. We curate world-class events, host visionary speakers, and build a community where innovation thrives.”

Thanks to HJAA member Allison Gordon for mentoring The Camel students and letting us know about this great event.

Following our Fall Summit (Crisis on Campus), a group of Harvard alumni formed a nonprofit that helps alumni at other universities create HJAA-style organizations. If you are an alum elsewhere and want to start a chapter, this new group can help you organize to provide a strong voice in support of Israel, combat antisemitism, and hold higher education to the high bar of truth and learning.

Overseers and HAA Election Update

VOTE in Harvard Overseers and HAA Elections. HJAA picks:



• For Overseer: Lanhee Chen, Nat Keohane, and Mike Rosenblatt
• For HAA Elected Director: Allison Pillinger Choi and Victoria “Vicky” Wai Ka Leung

Make your voice heard!

Your HJAA Newsletter Editors,

Dan Weiner

Dvora Inwood

Lori Fein

Harvard Releases Delayed Reports on Antisemitism and Islamophobia – The New York Times – 4/29/2025

Harvard publishes long-awaited reports addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia, responding to months of political and campus pressure.

Harvard defends its response to antisemitism in rejecting White House demands – Jewish Telegraphic Agency – 4/15/2025

Harvard rejects White House demands, defending its antisemitism efforts and citing constitutional and academic freedom protections.

Harvard University dismisses Center for Middle Eastern Studies leadership – Middle East Monitor – 3/29/2025

Harvard removes leadership at its Center for Middle Eastern Studies amid controversy over alleged antisemitism and administrative concerns.

Other News

WORLD ZIONIST ORGANIZATION ELECTIONS: Time to VOTE! Rabbi Matt Abelson explains why:

Theodore Herzl held the First Zionist Congress in 1897 in Basel. In October 2025, the 39th Zionist Congress will be held in Jerusalem. 525 delegates from the USA, the remainder of the diaspora, and Israel’s Knesset will make up the Congress. Elections will continue until May 4. To vote, you must have residency in the USA, be 18 and Jewish, and pay $5. You can register to vote, and then vote, here.

In a post 10/7 world, affirming that you are a Zionist is one of the most important statements you can make, which is why voting matters. Twenty-two slates are running; you can read each Slate’s platform here.

If affirming that you are Zionist is the only reason to vote, dayenu; but, in fact, much is at stake. Each year four national institutions in Israel – World Zionist Organization (WZO), the Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (KKL-JNF), The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and Keren Hayesod – make decisions about how to spend $1 billion/year. These decisions shape Israeli society and can invigorate the Jewish diaspora. 

Harvard defies Trump call for changes in policy on antisemitism; risks $9b in funding – The Times of Israel – 4/15/2025

Harvard rejected federal demands to overhaul programs and ban student groups, a stance that may cost the university billions, amid accusations it tolerates antisemitism.

Whose Freedom? – Commentary Magazine – 4/15/2025

Essay critiques both Harvard’s and Washington’s claims, arguing real antisemitism risks are being politicized and freedom of inquiry imperiled.

Here Is Harvard’s Best Argument Against Funding Cuts – Bloomberg – 4/13/2025

Noah Feldman explains Harvard’s strongest legal arguments against federal funding threats.

Harvard Is an Islamist Outpost – Wall Street Journal – 4/24/2025

Opinion contends decades-long campus culture nurtured radical alliances now expressed through antisemitic activism and policy battles.

Adams House Withdraws Support for Anti-Zionist Passover Event, Citing Policy on Unrecognized Student Groups – Harvard Crimson – 4/14/2025

House administrators pulled funds and space for an “anti-Zionist” seder linked to an unregistered group, forcing students to hold the ritual unofficially.

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