HJAA May Newsletter

May HJAA Newsletter

HJAA NEWSLETTER

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.


Explaining Today – by Ira Stoll

Ira Stoll was President of the Harvard Crimson, authored biographies of JFK and Sam Adams, and has had senior roles at the Forward, Jerusalem Post, NY Sun. His substack The Editors is a must-read, subscribe here.


When people ask me how Harvard is doing I usually say two steps forward, one step back. Sometimes it feels like the accurate answer is one step forward, two steps back.


Harvard’s own survey reports Jewish students as being unable to participate fully in the Harvard educational experience. That is a scandal.

Read More
Jesse Fried

View from the Inside – by Jesse M. Fried

Jesse Fried is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. From 2014-2024, he was the Dane Professor of Law. He is a member of the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias and co-founded Harvard Faculty for Israel with more than 430 members. 


Even if Harvard were to completely prevail over the Trump administration, Trump’s intervention may well increase the pace of change at Harvard.

Read More

The Camel Hackathon

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.

Harvard Alumni Helping Jewish Alumni on Other Campuses

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.

Learn More

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!

Upcoming Events

Harvard’s Antisemitism Report: What it means and What Comes Next


May 1, 8:30 pm EST

Harvard Hillel and 1636 Forum will host a panel including Harvard Antisemitism Task Force co-chair Jared Elias, Rabbi David Wolpe, and former dean of Columbia Law School and co-chair of Columbia’s Antisemitism Task Force David Schizer. Moderated by Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, Harvard Hillel Executive Director.

Sign Up to Attend

Harvard Jewish Alumni Association Annual Meeting


May 1, 12:00 pm EST

At the meeting, the HJAA board will provide an update on HJAA actions over the last year and goals for the next year. 

Contact the HJAA Board for Zoom Link

Join HBSJAA at the Kit Kat Club!

See Cabaret on Broadway and Attend an Exclusive Pre-event with Co-Producer


May 27, 6:30 pm EST

Come to the Cabaret, co-produced by HBS alum Sara Beth Zivitz (MBA 2008). Set in 1930s Berlin, this Tony Award-winning revival explores themes of antisemitism, identity, and societal change. Before the show, enjoy a behind-the-scenes conversation with Sara Beth and connect with fellow HBS Jewish alumni

(and other Harvard alumni!) inside the newly transformed Kit Kat Club. 

Reserve Your Tickets

Class of ’95 Virtual Program (open to all)

Panel on Speech Policies including the First Amendment, Academic Freedom, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and anti-terrorism laws


May 18, 4:30 pm EST

Moderators: Deborah Kopald and Dennis A. Kerbel, Esq. 

Panelists: pioneering free speech advocate Harvey Silverglate, HLS ’67; Jenna Harris, HLS ’10, Senior Counsel at StandWithUs; and Arielle Klepach, former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel at the National Jewish Advocacy Center.

Sign Up to Receive Attendance Informa

Your HJAA Newsletter Editors,

Dan Weiner

Dvora Inwood

Lori Fein

HJAA in the News

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 fundingThe 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 OutpostWall 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 GroupsHarvard 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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