Shabbos Kestenbaum (born 1999) is an American Jewish activist and graduate of Harvard Divinity School. He is known for leading a lawsuit against Harvard University, filed in January 2024, which alleges that the university failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitic harassment and discrimination.
Shabbos Kestenbaum | |
---|---|
Born | Alexander Kestenbaum 1999 (age 25–26) Riverdale, Bronx, New York, U.S. |
Education | Harvard Divinity School (MTS, 2024)[1] |
Occupations |
|
Known for | Activism against antisemitism, Legal actions against Harvard University |
Notable work | Lawsuit against Harvard University |
Political party | Democratic |
Early life
editKestenbaum was born and raised in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York.[2] He attended a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school. During his youth, he expressed opposition to the Iraq War in a school journal.[3]
Academic career
editKestenbaum attended Harvard Divinity School, graduating in May 2024. While at Harvard, he became increasingly vocal about perceived antisemitism on campus.[4] This included harassment of Jewish students during protests, antisemitic messages on a university app, and vandalism of posters about Israeli hostages.[5]
Lawsuit Against Harvard University
editIn January 2024, Kestenbaum became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Harvard University.[6][7][8][9][10][11] The lawsuit, which includes six anonymous Jewish students, alleges that the university failed to address antisemitic harassment and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. [3][12][13]
The plaintiffs claim that Harvard violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not protecting Jewish and Israeli students from discrimination and harassment, breached contractual obligations, and failed to uphold the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.[5]
Kestenbaum’s lawsuit has drawn attention to antisemitism at Harvard, but some critics argue it exaggerates the experiences of Jewish students and serves political rather than educational aims. Observers have noted that his prominent advocacy, including the lawsuit, might inadvertently discourage admissions officers from accepting outspoken religious minorities, such as Orthodox Jewish applicants, due to perceived risks in the selective admissions process.[14]
Political involvement
editInitially a registered Democrat and supporter of progressive candidates like Bernie Sanders,[15] Kestenbaum gained attention for speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.[16][17] During his speech, he highlighted issues of antisemitism and criticized Harvard University's handling of such incidents.[8] He expressed disillusionment with antisemitic elements within both far-left and far-right factions. His speech was reportedly well-received by the audience.[3] He endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, citing dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership and the party's handling of antisemitism and emphasizing the need for stronger measures against antisemitism.[18][19]
Public image
editKestenbaum's actions have generated various responses within both the Jewish community and the broader public. While some have praised his advocacy for Jewish rights, others have criticized his alignment with conservative platforms.[20] His efforts have led to increased scrutiny of how universities handle allegations of antisemitism and have influenced public discourse on the topic.[8][3]
Personal life
editKestenbaum identifies as a proud first-generation American and Orthodox Jew.[16] He remains politically active and continues to advocate for issues he believes in, regardless of party affiliation.[3][21]
References
edit- ^ "Graduate Profile: Shabbos Israel X. Kestenbaum, MTS '24". Harvard Divinity School. Harvard University. May 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ Clerkin, Ben (2024-01-23). "Meet the student suing Harvard over antisemitism". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ a b c d e Kampeas, Ron (2024-07-18). "Republicans cheer Shabbos Kestenbaum, Harvard grad who is suing school over post-Oct. 7 antisemitism". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Living Lchaim (2024-05-25). Harvard is Anti-Semitic. Meet the Kid Who's Changing That (Shabbos Kestenbaum). Retrieved 2025-02-13 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "ALEXANDER KESTENBAUM STUDENTS AGAINST ANTISEMITISM INC v. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE (2024)". Findlaw. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
- ^ Tress, Luke. "Shabbos Kestenbaum, high-profile campus antisemitism critic, endorses Trump". Times of Israel. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "Harvard faces legal action: Shabbos Kestenbaum defends Jewish students - interview". The Jerusalem Post. 2024-07-03. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ a b c Massel, Rebecca (2024-07-15). "'Never in my life voted for a Republican': Who is Shabbos Kestenbaum and why will he address the GOP convention?". The Forward. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "The Poisoned Ivy League". Community Magazine. 2025-01-01. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Kempinski, Yoni. "Shabbos Kestenbaum: 'Jewish students should not be at Ivy League Universities'". Israel National News. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Frankfurter, Rabbi Yitzchok (2024-03-06). "Speaking Up about Anti-Semitism at Harvard". Ami Magazine. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Kempinski, Yoni. "Shabbos Kestenbaum: On 10/7 young US Jews woke up and we're not going back to sleep". Israel National News. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Schweitzer, Sarah (2024-07-18). "Opinion | Shabbos Kestenbaum's righteous fight could hurt Jewish students". The Forward. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
- ^ Tress, Luke. "Shabbos Kestenbaum, high-profile campus antisemitism critic, endorses Trump". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
- ^ a b Glover, Eve (2024-07-29). "Harvard Divinity grad Shabbos Kestenbaum, amid antisemitism, stands strong in his faith: 'Proud to be Jewish'". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "WATCH THIS: Jewish Democrat Shabbos Kestenbaum Speaks at Trump Rally, Calls for Unity Against Antisemitism". The Yeshiva World. 2024-09-19. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "Jewish rights activist, Democrat Shabbos Kestenbaum endorses Trump". The Jerusalem Post. 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "Harvard Alumnus, Antisemitism Activist Shabbos Kestenbaum Breaks with Democratic Party, Endorses Trump". The Yeshiva World. 2024-09-09. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
- ^ Mishell, Zev (2024-07-19). "I'm a Jew studying at Harvard Divinity School. Shabbos Kestenbaum doesn't speak for me". The Forward. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ Sharona (2024-05-07). "Degrees of Hate". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved 2025-02-13.