Harvard’s shameful response to the Hamas attacks 

Harvard university is at the centre of an unprecedented backlash after some of its students released an inflammatory statement claiming Israel was ‘entirely responsible’ for the Hamas attacks last weekend. There was widespread criticism of the statement, with Harvard alumni and distinguished public officials from across the political spectrum expressing their outrage. This was in stark contrast to university leaders, whose response was best characterised as slow, inadequate and appeasing. 

The public row was sparked by a joint statement, endorsed by more than 30 Harvard student bodies, saying that the Hamas attack ‘did not occur in a vacuum’ and that Israel was ‘entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.’ This is very much the world view of the activist student groups supporting the Palestinian cause, who often lead protests critical of Israel on campus. 

Harvard’s initial response was pathetic in every respect. In a statement, university leaders failed even to acknowledge, let alone challenge, the claims made by the student bodies.