Signer Spotlight:
Shabbos Kestenbaum
Shabbos Kestenbaum is a student activist and the lead plaintiff against Harvard University, alleging pervasive and systemic antisemitism.
Tell us about your experience as a student at Harvard University the night of October 7, 2023.
On the night of October 7, we (Harvard) had 34 student groups representing more than 1,000 students jump out of their beds to draft what they called “an emergency statement” to blame Jews for the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. The opening line of their statement literally said, “we hold the Israeli regime responsible for all violence.”
The WhatsApp group I’m a part of at the Harvard Divinity School, with 3,400 students, saw a post that same night organizing a ‘Long Live the Palestinian Resistance’ rally. The response from my classmates and my friends was if he was planning a picnic in the park. “Can I bring my dog? Is this open to community members. Can I help out with signs?”
Jewish students on campus did not have time to grieve but were immediately thrust into a defensive position. We had to articulate not only why the Jewish State had a right and obligation to defend itself, but why we as Jewish students had a right to be on our own campus.
Why did you and fellow Jewish students file a lawsuit against Harvard?
After October 7, the Jewish world began fighting on all the fronts – such as a military front fought in the Middle East and an ideological front being fought on college campuses. Given that I was in a circumstance that was pervasive in its antisemitism, my attitude was that this is my battlefield.
We did not, and still do not want to do this, but we felt we had no other recourse. We cannot allow systemic discrimination against Jewish and Zionist voices on a college campus. When you have a university that is either unable or unwilling to protect its Jewish students, we must hold them accountable in the court of law.
There is no more a damning indictment on Harvard University that students have had to resort to legal matters in order to receive equity and justice. It’s inconceivable that any other minority group would be treated with such scorn, contempt, and disdain.
Ironically, antisemitism is bringing Jews back to Judaism. There’s a rebirth, if you will, by the younger generations. I’m glad this is happening, but also sad that antisemitism is the catalyst.
What feedback and support have you received from fellow Jewish students given your public stance?
You already know the work you’re doing is important, but hearing from others really emphasizes that. After I shared my message at the Republican National Convention in July, I heard from people telling me that they have ‘free the hostages’ posters outside their stores in Des Moines, Iowa or in Sioux Falls (South Dakota).
It reminds me of the Charles Dickens line: “it was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Right now is the worst of times given the out-of-control pervasive and sustained antisemitism on college campuses, but there has also been so much light. There’s been so much positivity and coming together of Jews and non-Jews alike, and I am deeply fortunate that I can be the recipient of so many positive messages.
What is your advice to fellow Jewish students feeling scared and apprehensive about returning to school this fall?
First, I would validate their feelings. They have every reason to be apprehensive and scared, because unfortunately most of these universities are led by feckless individuals who have refused to take responsibility, and more importantly, refused to implement policies to help their Jewish students.
Second, I would say to not be intimidated. Don’t be scared. You’ve done nothing wrong and have no one to apologize to and nothing to apologize for. You are part of a people that has survived, sustained, and thrived for thousands of years, and this is no exception. We will emerge from this victorious, more connected, and stronger. That is what has sustained me in these last couple of months.
Why is the Jewish Future Promise so important?
Education is the most important way to engage or re-engage young American Jews. This ties in nicely with the Jewish Future Promise, as we must pledge to build up and support institutions that inculcate a sense of Jewish pride within young people.
That means providing educational opportunities: whether that means a trip to Israel, a guest lecturer or speaker, a rally or an IsraelFest. We must support causes that amplify students’ voices and alleviate their concerns, to create louder and prouder Jews.
Everyone has a role to play and has skin in the game. Just because you’re not a student or serving in the army, you should be using whatever areas of influence you have to force change. Financially, we must support causes that will ensure the vitality and strength of the Jewish community here in the United States. It is so important and meaningful to put your money where your values are.
Bio
Shabbos Kestenbaum is a student activist and the lead plaintiff against Harvard University, alleging pervasive and systemic antisemitism. He is also involved at Harvard Chabad, is a regular contributor on national media, has testified in front of the United States Congress multiple times, and lectures internationally on Jewish communal issues.
