Cambridge, MA – September 6, 2024– A coalition of Harvard Jewish organizations and distinguished alumni and supporters submitted a letter to the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism, urging the endorsement and recommendation for Harvard University to utilize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of Antisemitism. The letter, signed by prominent groups including the Harvard Chapter of Alums for Campus Fairness, Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance, Harvard Chabad, and Harvard Hillel, among others, advocates for the implementation of the IHRA definition in administrative, disciplinary, and training contexts at Harvard.

The IHRA definition of Antisemitism, which includes 11 examples of anti-Jewish hate, has been adopted by over 1,100 entities worldwide, including national, regional, and local governments, multinational corporations, NGOs, other non-profits, and important to note, over 360 colleges and universities. 

In their letter, the groups emphasize that utilizing the IHRA definition will provide Harvard with a clear and comprehensive standard for identifying and confronting Antisemitism on campus. The letter states, “Harvard’s adoption of IHRA will establish for the first time the basis upon which it systematically can identify and confront Antisemitism at the University. A clear, comprehensive, and uniform definition of Antisemitism is necessary to understand, identify, and effectively respond to Antisemitic incidents on campus.”

The letter further underscores that adopting the IHRA definition aligns with Harvard’s Institutional Voice Policy, which emphasizes the need for resources to train staff in contact with affected community members—a task that necessitates a clear definition of Antisemitism.

“We believe that the adoption of IHRA is a crucial first step for Harvard to take in restoring a safe and inclusive campus culture that prioritizes intellectual discourse over confirmation bias and mutual respect over intolerance,” the letter concludes.

The urgency of implementing the IHRA definition is underscored by recent findings from a survey conducted by Alums for Campus Fairness, which revealed a troubling rise in Antisemitic incidents on college campuses. According to the survey, 44% of Jewish students report never or rarely feeling safe identifying as Jewish at their school, a significant increase from 21% in 2021. Additionally, 76% of Jewish students believe that the problem of Antisemitism on campus exists and is worsening.

The signatories of this letter, which include notable alumni and supporters such as Rabbi David Wolpe, Professor Ruth Wisse, author Dara Horn, financier Bill Ackman, and representatives from several Harvard Jewish organizations, are eager for the Task Force, administration, and governing bodies to move forward with the adoption of the IHRA definition.