Harvard "Combats" Anti-Semitism

Another disturbing incident has taken place at Harvard. Posters showing the faces of Israelis killed and/or taken hostage have been defaced in an especially obscene manner..

But not to worry. Harvard is on the case as far is battling anti-Semitism is concerned. As part of that effort (along with battling Islamophobia) Hravrd has named a Jewish studies professor-a critic of Israel- to lead the effort. The appointment of Derek Penslar has been met with much criticism from some Jewish circles.

The Harvard Crimson, the campus newspaper, is running an op-ed supporting Penslar.

Since I had never previously heard of Penslar, I want to be fair here. On the one hand, I am not surprised that Harvard would choose a Jewish person who just happens to be a critic of Israeli government policies (he claims to be a Zionist). It also buttresses my overall suspicion that universities prefer to staff their Jewish studies departments with professors who oppose Israel (I can't prove it but based on anecdotal evidence, I hold that suspicion.) The Harvard Crimson points out ironically that Pemslar's only "transgression" (italics added) is "criticism of Israeli government policies". My question is whether he was chosen (aside from his credentials) in part for that very reason. God forbid they would pick someone who is a staunch supporter of Bibi Netanyahu and the war against Hamas after October 7. But to be fair, this is about anti-Semitism on campus. The point I have always made is that no matter how you stand on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is not an excuse for engaging in anti-Jewish behavior. Still I wonder. According to what is stated in the above Jewish Chronicle link, Penslar has reportedly expressed the view that accusations of anti-Semitism at Harvard are exaggerated. 

“Yes, we have a problem with antisemitism at Harvard, just like we have a problem with Islamophobia and how students converse with each other,” said Penslar, who describes himself as “left of center.” “The problems are real. But outsiders took a very real problem and proceeded to exaggerate its scope.”

Perhaps, Professor Penslar has changed his opinion after this latest incident involving the Israeli hostage posters.