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Shabbos Kestenbaum Takes Strong Stand Against Anti-Semitism at Harvard U in Riveting RNC Address
Edited by: Fern Sidman
On the third night of the Republican National Convention, Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard University Divinity School graduate, took the stage to address the pervasive anti-Semitism he encountered during his time at Harvard. According to a USA TODAY report, Kestenbaum, one of the “everyday Americans” chosen to speak, provided a poignant critique of the current atmosphere on college campuses, with a particular focus on his alma mater.
Kestenbaum, who is currently suing Harvard for allowing and perpetuating anti-Semitism, shared his deeply personal experiences. As per the information provided in the USA TODAY report, his lawsuit, filed alongside five other Jewish students, accuses Harvard of “deliberate indifference” and “enabling” anti-Semitism, thus violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin. The lawsuit cites various incidents, including pro-Hamas protests and other anti-Semitic acts.
In April, Harvard filed a federal motion to dismiss the lawsuit, presenting a memorandum outlining steps it has taken to combat anti-Semitism.
USA TODAY also reported that in response to Harvard’s motion, Kestenbaum wrote, “Harvard’s meritless motion to dismiss our lawsuit only proves our point: it has never taken the concerns of us Jewish students seriously, and has no plans to start now.”
“I came to Harvard to study religion, the foundation of Western civilization. What I found was not theology, but a contempt for it,” Kestenbaum stated in his speech, as was indicated in the USA TODAY report. “My problem with Harvard is not its liberalism, but its illiberalism. Too often, students at Harvard are taught not how to think, but what to think. I found myself immersed in a culture that is anti-Western, anti-American, and anti-Semitic.”
During his speech, Kestenbaum recounted several troubling incidents that occurred during his time at Harvard. One such incident involved setting up 1,200 American and Israeli flags, which were vandalized within 24 hours. The report on USA TODAY also said that he also received death threats online, highlighting the hostile environment that Jewish students often face. These incidents, according to Kestenbaum, are symptomatic of a broader issue of intolerance and anti-Semitism on campus.
Kestenbaum also criticized Harvard’s response to the Hamas attack on Israel, suggesting that the university’s comments reflected a lack of support for the Jewish community and contributed to an atmosphere of hostility.
A former supporter of Bernie Sanders, Kestenbaum expressed his disillusionment with the Democratic Party, accusing it of abandoning the Jewish community. His shift in political allegiance calls attention to a broader trend among some Jewish Americans who feel that their concerns about anti-Semitism and support for Israel are not adequately addressed by the Democratic Party.
“The anti-Semitic bigotry unfortunately extends far beyond the universities. Although I once voted for Bernie Sanders, I now recognize that the far left has not only abandoned the Jewish people, but the American people,” he declared, as was indicated in the USA TODAY report. This statement confirmed his belief that the Democratic Party, which he registered to vote for at 18, has become “ideologically poisoned.” Kestenbaum argued that this ideological shift has not only marginalized Jewish Americans but also negatively influenced the broader American youth.
Kestenbaum’s call to action was clear and impassioned. “Sadly the far-left wing tide of anti-Semitism is rising,” he lamented. “But tonight, tonight we fight back.” He expressed his pride in supporting President Trump’s policies, particularly those aimed at expelling foreign students who violate laws, harass Jewish classmates, and desecrate American freedoms. Let’s elect a President who will instill patriotism in our schools once again,” he urged, as was noted in the USA TODAY report. “Let’s elect a president who recognizes that although Harvard and the Ivy Leagues have long abandoned the United States of America, the Jewish people never will, “ he added.
In May, Kestenbaum testified before Congress about Harvard’s overt anti-Semitism and intentional negligence. His testimony aimed to shed light on the hostile environment Jewish students face and to push for stronger measures to combat anti-Semitism in educational institutions.
In his speeches and social media posts, Kestenbaum has not held back in condemning the environment at Harvard. “I know many of these students. I sit in class with them. I share study halls with them. They publicly praise Hamas, they side repeatedly with the Houthis, and believe Hezbollah to be a legitimate political resistance group,” he stated, according to the USA TODAY report. He criticized Harvard for not condemning or disciplining 34 student groups that he claims support these organizations, which are widely recognized as terrorist groups.
Kestenbaum’s disillusionment with the Democratic Party has been a significant part of his rise on social media and other platforms. Known as the Jewish Democrat who has grown cynical of his party ahead of the 2024 election, he has shifted towards the Republican Party despite his previous support for Bernie Sanders in 2016. The USA TODAY report indicated that as recently as July 9, he identified as a Democrat on X (formerly Twitter) while advocating for people to vote for Trump, highlighting his critical stance against President Joe Biden.
Kestenbaum’s outspoken stance against antisemitism and his political shift reflect a broader trend among some Jewish Americans who feel increasingly alienated by the Democratic Party’s handling of issues related to Israel and antisemitism. His advocacy for Trump’s policies, particularly those aimed at expelling foreign students who violate laws and harass Jewish classmates, aligns with his call for stronger measures to ensure the safety and rights of Jewish students
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