A visiting scholar at Harvard's Divinity School, Rabbi David Wolpe, has called out the prestigious university for its "history of antisemitism" and is demanding that it confront and overcome it. In an op-ed published in the Harvard Crimson, Rabbi Wolpe criticized the university for its disproportionate outrage towards Jewish people and its failure to address the issue of antisemitism. He argued that Israel, as the only homeland Jews have ever known, should not be targeted for eradication.

Rabbi Wolpe pointed out that the energy and outrage generated by Jews, who make up only 0.2 percent of the world population, is oddly disproportionate. He described antisemitism as a wild and irrational eruption, emphasizing that Israel is the only country consistently targeted for eradication. He questioned whether anti-Zionism is synonymous with antisemitism and called on Harvard to acknowledge its long and ignoble history of antisemitism.

The scholar specifically highlighted recent remarks made by Harvard President Claudine Gay, who stated that calls for the “genocide” of Jews would not necessarily violate the university's code of conduct. Rabbi Wolpe argued that one can demand a Palestinian state without promoting violence and terrorism. He expressed concern about the campus climate at Harvard, stating that it has created a climate of intimidation where supporters of Israel, particularly Jews, are systematically targeted.

Earlier this month, Rabbi Wolpe resigned from his position at Harvard's Antisemitism Advisory Group due to the unacceptable campus climate. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond free speech and raises concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish and pro-Israel students. He criticized the ideology prevalent among some students and faculty that portrays Jews as oppressors and intrinsically evil.

Rabbi Wolpe's call for Harvard to confront its history of antisemitism comes at a time of increasing global antisemitism and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The scholar's stance aligns with those who believe that universities should foster civil discourse and create a safe environment for all students, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.