Dear HJAA friends,

We are living through a tumultuous period, but hope the challenges of removing antisemitism from universities will ultimately be a blessing. As we debate amongst ourselves the various strong-arm tactics of the current federal government, let’s remember that none of this would be happening if the universities had acted on their own, enforced their own rules, and remained faithful to their missions. We hope Harvard will act voluntarily to do what’s right.

Nearly two academic years have passed since October 7. The University’s short-lived, star-studded Antisemitism Advisory Group issued its recommendations in a matter of weeks, but was disbanded, with all recommendations ignored. Now, 9 months after issuing “Preliminary Recommendations” (inexplicably coordinated with the conjoined-twin Presidential Task Force on Combating Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Bias), the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism has still produced no report. 

Insiders say the draft document is enormously long, but will contain no plan for actual implementation of its recommendations.

Does the unreasonable delay indicate a lack of concern for the plight of Jews on campus? Would any other group need to tolerate harassment for almost two years before the University even released its findings? Will Harvard finally take serious measures to eliminate anti-Jewish hate, or will it wait until it gets the Columbia treatment and then complain? Perhaps, by our next newsletter, we will find out!

Thanks in part to support from many in HJAA, Harvard’s student-run, Hillel-sponsored spring break trip to Israel just wrapped! Imagine the lifelong impact of visiting the Nova site and Hostage Square, experiencing the full range of Israeli life (and nightlife!), and meeting top Israeli thinkers. Students report that former Trek participants have provided meaningful support to Jewish students, especially since 10/7.  

Another amazingly positive, student-led, Hillel-affiliated effort is the all-new group The Camel. A ‘social and professional club,’ The Camel brings students together to network and party while improving perception of Israel at Harvard.

For more info, email Uri Rolls or Charlie Covit.

Many of you have reached out regarding HAA and Overseer Election recs – don’t worry, they are coming soon! Deborah Kopald ‘95 has led a team that interviewed Overseer candidates and will issue an update.

[Editor’s note: HAA candidate Vicky Leung is an outspoken supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, showing moral clarity and determined action while serving as President of HCUK.]

Last fall, Israeli Harvard Law School SJD candidate Gilad Mills recognized the need to bring together Jewish and Israeli organizations, groups, and individuals from across all Harvard schools. He envisioned facilitating collaboration and coordinating shared Jewish activities. The HJC is dedicated to:

1. Celebrating Jewish and Israeli identity,
2. Fighting antisemitism and its manifestations in anti-Zionism,
3. Opposing discriminatory and bigoted initiatives against Jews and Israelis, such as the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and
4. Promoting education about Jewish history, peoplehood, and values. 

Mazals on reaching this milestone of University Group recognition! To help, email Gilad Mills. 

The HJAA Board will be adding three new members, and YOU get to elect them! Our dedicated nominating committee, Kim Morgan Blank ‘91 JD Yale, Michael Kaplan ‘92 HLS ‘95, and David Friedman ‘93 HLS ‘96, is currently reviewing applications and will be announcing an official slate by April 14. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting on April 28. Stay tuned for more info! Questions? Contact the committee.

This newsletter is meant to be a resource for all Harvard Jewish Alumni. If you have any suggestions of content to add, please reply to this email. We are an all-volunteer organization, so apologies in advance if responses are not immediate.

Your HJAA Newsletter Editors,

Dan Weiner

Laura Fein

Dvora Inwood

Librarian Who Removed Chabad Poster Is No Longer Employed at Harvard – The Harvard Crimson, Mar 10, 2025

A Harvard librarian who removed a Chabad poster featuring an Israeli hostage has left the university. Harvard officials condemned the act, reaffirming their stance against antisemitism on campus.

How Columbia Became the Epicenter of Campus Antisemitism Controversies – The Atlantic, Mar 8, 2025

Columbia University faces national scrutiny over antisemitism allegations, student protests, and federal funding threats. The article examines the political and historical context shaping campus divisions on Israel and Palestine.

Sense of isolation, loss amid Gaza war sparks quest to make all feel welcome – Harvard Gazette, Mar 4, 2025

Israeli student Nim Ravid initiated dialogue circles and private dinners to unite Jewish, Muslim, and Arab students after feeling socially isolated following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. 

The Difference Between Speech and Assault – Commentary Magazine, Mar 14, 2025

The article examines the legal and ethical distinctions between protected speech and physical intimidation on college campuses, particularly in the context of antisemitic incidents and pro-Palestinian activism.

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