Harvard University has denounced a recently posted “flagrantly antisemitic cartoon” that appeared on social media over the weekend. The offensive image, featuring a Black man and an Arab man with nooses around their necks held by a hand imprinted with the Star of David containing a dollar sign, was copied from a newsletter published by students in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
The image was shared on the Instagram accounts of both an undergraduate group and Harvard Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine. Following widespread criticism, the image was promptly removed, and apologies were issued by the student and faculty groups.
Harvard's interim president, Alan Garber, emphasized the university's stance against perpetuating hateful antisemitic tropes and inflammatory rhetoric. He stressed the importance of respectful discourse, especially during contentious times such as the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a joint statement, the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee and the African American Resistance Organization took responsibility for the offensive image, acknowledging it as a “harmful antisemitic trope” resulting from ignorance and oversight lapses. They expressed deep regret for the harm caused and issued a sincere apology.
Additionally, the faculty and staff group that shared the image on social media also apologized, affirming their commitment to opposing all forms of hate and bigotry, including antisemitism.
Harvard is currently investigating the incident to identify those responsible and determine appropriate actions. Garber reiterated the university's dedication to fostering respectful dialogue and condemned expressions that demonize individuals based on their identity.
The controversy has further fueled existing tensions on campus surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Harvard has faced criticism for its handling of antisemitism issues, prompting the establishment of task forces to address antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The fallout from the conflict has sparked debates on free speech and campus safety, with calls for increased protection of both Jewish and Arab students. Harvard has pledged to cooperate with investigations while safeguarding the privacy and security of its community.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and abductions on both sides, intensifying concerns and discussions on U.S. campuses.
