In response to what they perceive as inadequate statements put out by Harvard and Stanford universities in the US in response to the unprecedented October 7 Hamas massacre of civilians in the south of Israel, heads of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem release a strongly worded response, saying that the statements did not “meet the most minimal standards of moral leadership, courage, and commitment to truth.”
In joint letters, the Hebrew University leaders berate the Harvard and Stanford administrations, saying they have “failed us not only as Israelis, who are subject to the imminent threat of being subject to genocide, but also as leaders of an academic institution, who expect their colleagues to present higher moral standards, and more courage.”
“One may remind Israel of its duties, and may criticize it, if one finds that Israel has violated its commitments. These are issues that will have to be addressed when the relevant information is available. This factual uncertainty cannot serve as a justification for taking a morally relativist approach regarding the massacre committed by Hamas,” the Hebrew University says.
The Hebrew University letter is signed by its president Prof. Asher Cohen, its rector Prof. Tamir Sheafer, and former rector Prof. Barak Medina.
Both Harvard and Stanford universities posted what were seen by some as lukewarm statements about the brutal assault, and Harvard, in particular, found itself embroiled in controversy this week after an umbrella group of pro-Palestinian students released a separate statement blaming Israel for the attack, part of the latest round of campus issues around Israeli-Palestinian issues.