Harvard’s Anti-Semitism Task Force Faces Controversy Over Co-Chair’s Past Anti-Semitic Statements

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Harvard University has launched a Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism, aiming to address growing concerns about anti-Semitic and Islamophobic acts on its campus. However, the newly appointed co-chair of the task force, Jewish history professor Derek Penslar, has sparked controversy due to past statements that some view as inherently anti-Semitic, as was reported by the New York Post. The initiative comes amid ongoing fallout from the resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay.

Derek Penslar’s 2023 book, “Zionism: An Emotional State,” has drawn attention for its provocative language. In the book, Penslar claimed that “veins of hatred run through Jewish civilization” and criticized Israel for its actions against Palestinians, according to the information provided in the Post report.  He argued that Israel’s actions have made it one of the most disliked countries globally. Penslar’s statements also delved into historical perspectives, asserting that “Jewish culture was steeped in fantasies (and occasionally, acts) of vengeance against Christians,” the report in the Post added.

Harvard’s interim president, Alan Garber, announced the establishment of the task force as reports of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents on campus have increased, impacting the sense of belonging for affected groups, as was noted in the Post report.  “Reports of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic acts on our campus have grown, and the sense of belonging among these groups has been undermined. We need to understand why and how that is happening—and what more we might do to prevent it,” Garber said in a statement announcing the new initiative, as was reported in the Post.

However, the appointment of Derek Penslar as co-chair has raised concerns among critics, including prominent Harvard donor and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. The Post report indicated that Ackman expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that Harvard is “doubling down on its anti-Semitism” and linked the issue to a problematic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideology.

Following Claudine Gay’s resignation, Penslar publicly downplayed the issue of campus anti-Semitism, suggesting that outsiders had exaggerated the problem. The report in the Post also said that in August 2023, he also signed onto a letter from Academics4Peace, where Israel was criticized as a “regime of apartheid” and accused of “Jewish supremacism” and attempting to “ethnically cleanse” Palestinian territories. This association has further fueled concerns about Penslar’s impartiality in leading the task force.

Harvard’s handling of anti-Semitic incidents since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7^th has led to donor revolts and a congressional inquiry, as per the Post report.

“Firing Gay was just shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic. The problem remains the racist and anti-Semitic DEI ideology,” added Ted Frank, director of litigation at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, a non-profit law firm, as was indicated in the Post report.

As Harvard faces increased scrutiny from donors and lawmakers, the task force’s ability to address anti-Semitism on campus while navigating these controversies remains uncertain.